Abstract: In this paper, the track of the human ankle during running is considered based on human
factor engineering in order to optimize the structure of the elliptical trainer. By analyzing the
influence of each component parameters on the track of the human ankle, the optimum parameters
of each component were determined. The Solidworks 2016 is used for the simulation of the
elliptical trainer. The results show that: the best elliptical orbit is obtained when the r1=110 mm,
r2=412 mm, r3=140 mm. The theoretical calculation results of the displacement, velocity and
acceleration of ankle point are in accordance with the simulation results which verify the rationality
of the structure design. The maximum stress during working occurs on the crankshaft, the optimum
diameter of crankshaft is 22 mm, and less than the yield strength of the material, so that the
structure is safe and reliable.

Key words: human factor engineering, elliptical trainer, optimization design, simulation analysis