1.

Product Chosen
The theme given for our project was exercise. Thus the exercise
machine that we chose to be as our product is an indoor rowing
machine.

2. Introduction
In Malaysia, exercising or working out has becoming a trend nowadays.
The idea of choosing an indoor rowing machine came to us due to the
demands in society in wanting to lose weight and also to look good.
And the indoor rowing machine meet those demands, where it is not
just for doing cardio but also good for building strength and muscle
endurance, as it does not only work the upper body, but also the lower
body.
Background of the product
The Concept2 ergometer was introduced in 1980 by the Dreissigacker
brothers. The first, the Model A, was a fixed-frame sliding-seat design
using a bicycle wheel with fins attached for air resistance. The Model B,
introduced in 1986, introduced a solid cast flywheel (now enclosed by a
cage) and the first digital performance monitor, which proved
revolutionary.

This

machine's

capability

of

accurate

calibration

combined with easy transportability spawned the sport of competitive

indoor rowing, and revolutionized training and selection procedures for
watercraft rowing. The later Models C (1993) and D (2003) became
some of the best-selling fitness equipment pieces of all time.

Design Summary
All rowing-machine designs consist of an energy damper or braking
mechanism connected to a chain and/or handle. A foot stretcher
(where rowers places their feet) is attached to the same mounting as
the energy damper. Most include a rail which either the seat or the
mechanism slide upon. Different machines have a variety of layouts
and damping mechanisms, each of which have certain advantages and
disadvantages.
Machines with a digital display calculate the user's power by
measuring the speed of the flywheel during the stroke and then
recording the rate at which it decelerates during the recovery. Using
this and the known moment of inertia of the flywheel, the computer is
able to calculate speed, power, distance and energy usage. Some
ergometers can be connected to a personal computer using software,
and data on individual exercise sessions can be collected and
analyzed. In addition, some software packages allow users to connect
multiple ergometers either directly or over the internet for virtual races
and workouts.
Motion Type
There are three possible designs to allow the foot stretcher (with
flywheel) and handle to move relatively nearer and apart from each
other.

The first option is the most common, with the foot stretcher and
flywheel both fixed, with only the seat sliding on a rail. This is
generally analogous to the seat sliding on rails in the boat.
Commonly called a 'Fixed head' ergometer.

The second option is where both the seat and the foot stretcher
slide on a rail. This is analogous to both the seat sliding on the
boat, and the boat sliding relative to the rower, on the water.
The relative movement of seat and flywheel are similar to the
result of the rower moving at steadier average speed while the
boat's speed varies much more relative to the rower. Commonly
called a 'Floating head' ergometer.

The third option has the seat fixed. Only the foot stretcher slides

backward and away from the rower.

In addition, some indoor rowers include a pivoting handle or handles
(as opposed to a simple chain) in order to more completely simulate
the action of rowing or sculling. Such machines are known as "rowing
simulators". The second option of motion type has been used in our
project because the design is more ergonomic.
3. Reason of choosing the product
The sole purpose of designing this product is because so that
everyone, any size, or age can achieve their fitness goals, whether it is
to lose weight, to look good or even just for maintaining general
health. Because unlike running, it stresses a lot on the knees and hip
joints thus it is not essential for heavy weight people and the elderly.
Being considered as the most popular type on the market, the
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 features all
you need for your health improvements in many aspects. In addition to
the nice design, it also brings numerous advantages on your
cardiovascular system and efficient weight loss.
It provides a great ease of assembling different parts of the Concept2
Rower. The machine equips a full package of supportive accessories for
supporting the rower establishment within an hour.
Then, we mention the remarkable durability of using the Concept2
Rowing Machine. All parts of the machine are covered by high-quality
materials such as aluminum and stainless steel which could withstand
the impact of daily tear and wear.
A big plus of using this smart device is that you could monitor your
daily progress through the Personal Monitor. Coming with 160 X 160
resolutions, it offers a large screen for users to check out all detailed
statistics. As a result, it encourages you to make more effort to reach
the best workout effectiveness. Moreover, its flywheel is designed in
such a modern way which can effectively improve the noise reduction.
You will find it as an economic way to save money for maintenance.
Other reasons why we choose this product because it have many other
advantages such as :
Easy to use

 Comfortable footrests
Durable
Sleek design
Long time of oiling requirement
Smooth operation
Free noise
Long warranty policy
High weight user capacity
Lastly, the most reason why we choose this product as our project
because the mechanism of rowing machine contain many mechanical
application. From that, we can applied our knowledge in CAD system to
make sure all the possible analysis happen on the product have been
identified.
4. Part list of the product chosen

Part Name
Portable seat
Beam (body)
Foot Stretcher
Holder
Supporter
Belt casing
Bottle holder
Personal monitor
Chain

Quantity
1
2
1 pair
1
2
2
1
1
1

5. Possible or intended improvement and design that can be added on

the product
Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine with PM5 consists of a little
disadvantage compare to other product model. The minor plus about
Concept2 Rower is that it comes with slightly low seat. For people with
knee or back problems, this is a big disadvantage. So, some
modification needs to be taken to overcome this disadvantage. Change
the design of the seat and add some comfort material on the seat so
that the user will comfortable during exercise. Design the seat likes
office chair that have a back rest that can overcome back problem for

some people but use a slight material to make sure it can move
forward and backward on track without any destruction.
Another modification maybe that ought to be done on this product is
built a bottle holder at the back of this rowing machine. This addition
will make the user easier to drink water after exercise. Just slide the
seat to the back and get the bottle water. It is an ergonomic
modification because it is concern about a human interaction.