Optimization of the gantry drive through dynamic testing and comparison with the crankset in a pilot study

The aim of the research was to conduct a pilot optimization of the gantry drive with a swinging pressure plate, which resembles the leg press exercise, using dynamic tests and to gather users' opinions about this new drive. Moreover, the efficiency of the gantry drive was compared with the commonly known crankset. The research was conducted at a load of 50 W on a group of young men, and the results were subjected to statistical analysis. The research has shown that the gantry drive with guides mounted at a positive angle provides the highest efficiency, and users evaluated this mechanism positively despite their first encounter with it. Additionally, it has been shown that in terms of efficiency, when operating at low power, the gantry drive is generally similar to the crankset. The gantry drive takes up less volume than the crankset, making it well-suited for compact road vehicles and advantageous for water vehicles as well.