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Scaled drawing of the six-link elliptical trainer mechanism
JR PEREZ
Machine dynamics and mechanical elements

Elliptical Machine Analysis

Kinematics, forces, and vibration of a six-link elliptical trainer.

Aim

Understand how a six-link trainer turns steady flywheel rotation into a closed foot path, and what shaking force it sends into the floor.

Tools
  • Scaled drawing
  • Graphical velocity and acceleration polygons
  • Analytical kinematic model
Skills
  • Kinematic projections
  • Degrees of freedom
  • Geometric analysis
  • Modes of failure
  • Vibrations
  • Graphical velocity and acceleration analysis
Outcome

Hand polygons checked against the analytical model, the pedal path traced from the model, and the shaking force estimated for the mount.

Detail

The hand polygons and the analytical model use the same link dimensions, so the two can be compared directly. Link masses are estimated, so the force results are estimates.

Hand-drawn velocity polygon
Velocity polygon
Hand-drawn acceleration polygon
Acceleration polygon
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