MEG 320

Spring 2001

Project 3

The figure below shows a concept for an elliptic exercise bike (click here to see animation of the motion). The height of the slide can be varied between 0.1 m and 0.6 m to change the difficulty of the exercise. The dimensions of the bike, as shown in the figure below, do not necessarily produce an acceptable performance.

Continue based on the results of Project #2. Assume that the upper body does not move. The following are suggested steps:

i. Estimate angular velocity of the input link.

ii. Derive the velocity equations for all loops of the machine.

iii. Derive the velocity equations for the critical points in the machine such as knee, hip, etc.

iv. Write a program, preferably in Mathcad, to simulate the velocity of the machine.

v. Use your program to plot the velocity of the machine and the user at both extremes of the motion.

vi. Use Working Model to verify your program. (Click here to load the Working Model file)

vii. Plot velocity vectors for all loops at general configuration. How do your results compare with the model created in Working Model?

viii. State your observations / conclusions about your design.