How does one transform a circular motion into an elliptical motion?
Victor J asked:
I want to design a stationary exercise bike, which implies circular rotational motion of the pedals around a fixed point, but that can, with the press of a button, transform into an elliptical training machine, that has an elliptical rotational motion around a fixed point, often far away from the actual pedals. Is this possible, engineering-wise? I can imagine displacing the rotational point of the cycling machine, so that it would still describe a circular motion.
elliptical training machines
I want to design a stationary exercise bike, which implies circular rotational motion of the pedals around a fixed point, but that can, with the press of a button, transform into an elliptical training machine, that has an elliptical rotational motion around a fixed point, often far away from the actual pedals. Is this possible, engineering-wise? I can imagine displacing the rotational point of the cycling machine, so that it would still describe a circular motion.
elliptical training machines
Posted in 
Tags:
elliptical training machines
The point of the elliptical exercise machine is that it is used standing up, rather than sitting down, and it allows large-muscle exertion without flexing the knees in an unhealthy way. An exercise bike is for a seated person, and it operates in a completely different way.
There doesn’t seem to be much point in making a bike with elliptical motion, unless you also take away the seat and stand up. It would be a completely different kind of mechanical arrangement.
elliptical training machines
No we can’t actually, because an ellipse has a variable radius with respect to angular coordinate, in contrast with circular path which has a constant radius. Thus if you want an elliptical path, you have to “change the lenght of the rod” with respect to time ( connecting the pedal) , which is ‘impossible’, to me atleast.
I wish this is what your question about