Designer's Insight: Elliptical Machines A Guide to Understanding Elliptical Machines
In the development of the LB007 Vertical Elliptical, we conducted in-depth studies on the designs, mechanics, performance and applications of elliptical machines that are offered in the market.
In this article we share our design concepts and provide a guide to learn the fundamental knowledge about elliptical machines, their different designs, advantages and trade-offs.
The Initial Concept
The initial concept of developing the LB007 was to create a compact elliptical machine with a decent pedal motion geometry and smooth resistance, targeting home-fitness market.
The Opportunity
Elliptical machines are usually large and heavy, which largely limit them to be used in home. Manufacturers make compact versions to attract home-fitness users. However, many are designed with compromised pedal motion geometry in order to reduce the machine frame. Some models adopt a scaled-down flywheel, sacrificing the smooth resistance and low-impact features.
This situation provides a good opportunity for a compact elliptical machine and yet designed for serious fitness applications.
A Different Approach: Flywheel Speed
Most elliptical machines are bar-linkage design, where the pedal directly drive the flywheel, and the flywheel rotates at the same speed as the pedal stroke rate – low speed. Such a design requires a large flywheel to maintain sufficient kinetic energy for motion continuity and resistance smoothness.
However, there is another approach to maintain the needed kinetic energy - flywheel speed.
LB007 is based on this approach.
The Solution: Two-stage Transmission
Unlike conventional elliptical machines, in which the pedals directly drive the flywheel, LB007 uses a two-stage transmission that raises the flywheel speed by 15 times.