Treadmill shock absorption method and treadmill with shock absorption airbags

By incorporating left and right airbag systems on the treadmill, combined with air pressure sensors and solenoid valves, the treadmill's stiffness can be dynamically adjusted, solving the problems of joint impact and resonance noise, and improving user safety and experience.

CN118320369BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-04SHUHUA SPORT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410573834.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-10
Publication Date
2025-11-04
Estimated Expiration
2044-05-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing treadmills have a fixed hardness of the running surface during running, which causes users' joints to be subjected to continuous impact from a single angle and force, making them prone to sports injuries. In addition, traditional treadmills are prone to resonance noise interference during operation.

Method used

The treadmill uses a left and right airbag system. The left and right airbags correspond to the landing areas of the left and right feet, respectively. Combined with air pressure sensors and solenoid valves, the magnitude and direction of the impact reaction force during running are dynamically adjusted to avoid the resonant frequency point of the running platform and achieve real-time adjustment of the airbag pressure.

Benefits of technology

The treadmill's firmness can be dynamically adjusted to reduce the risk of joint injury, minimize resonance noise interference, adapt to different ground hardness and incline, and improve running efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application relates to a running machine damping method and a running machine with damping air bags, which can dynamically adjust the impact reaction force size and direction of running, and overcomes the problem that joints such as ankles, knees and hips are continuously impacted at a single angle and strength during running, thereby causing sports injuries. A running machine console controls the softness and slope of a running track according to a preset time-air pressure-slope combination relationship curve, and sets corresponding air pressure threshold values for air pressure set values of each stage. The left and right foot landing damping processes are as follows: when the left (right) foot lands, the left (right) air bag air pressure rises, and when the left (right) air bag air pressure threshold value is reached, the left (right) air bag starts to deflate and continuously deflates; then when the left (right) air bag air pressure drops to the air pressure set value, the left (right) air bag stops deflating; and when the left (right) air bag air pressure drops below the air pressure set value, the left (right) air bag starts to inflate and continuously inflates until the air pressure recovers to the left (right) air bag air pressure set value and stops; and the application is suitable for various modes.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of treadmill technology, specifically to a treadmill shock absorption method and a treadmill with shock-absorbing airbags. Background Technology

[0002] Treadmills are common fitness equipment, widely used in homes and commercial fitness venues. In order to reduce the impact of the running platform, and especially to adjust the shock absorption and cushioning elasticity of the running platform, more and more treadmills are using airbags as elastic support components for the running board.

[0003] Chinese Patent Publication No. CN206275968U discloses an adaptive treadmill with an airbag assembly. The running board is located on the main support to support the running surface. The airbag assembly is installed on the main support, and the running board is located on the aforementioned airbag assembly. The aforementioned airbag assembly includes a left airbag and a right airbag, and the left and right airbags are connected by an air duct. The softness and hardness of the running board can be adjusted by inflating and deflating the airbag assembly.

[0004] Chinese Patent Publication No. CN111840899A discloses a novel airbag shock absorption structure for treadmills, which includes a treadmill with airbags. Specifically, it discloses an airbag inflation and deflation device. By detecting and displaying the internal pressure of the airbag, the user can control the inflation and deflation of the airbag by pressing a button switch to control the pump and deflation valve, thereby controlling the hardness of the running board.

[0005] Chinese Patent Publication No. CN207673781U discloses a novel airbag shock absorption structure for treadmills, including a treadmill base frame and a running board. The inner side of the treadmill base frame is provided with an airbag bracket and an air pump bracket, and an airbag and an air pump are respectively installed thereon. The air pump is provided with a one-way air inlet valve and a one-way air outlet valve. The one-way air outlet valve is connected to a softness / hardness adjustment switch through a first air pipe. The softness / hardness adjustment switch is connected to the airbag through a second air pipe, and the softness / hardness adjustment switch is provided with an air vent. The softness / hardness adjustment switch has three levels: soft, medium, and hard.

[0006] However, the firmness of the running surface on a treadmill is fixed during running. This causes the ankles, knees, hips, and other joints to be subjected to continuous impact from a single angle and force, which can easily lead to sports injuries. In addition, the resonance noise generated by traditional treadmills can easily cause noise pollution to the floor below, affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a treadmill shock absorption method and a treadmill with shock-absorbing airbags, which can dynamically adjust the magnitude and direction of the impact reaction force during running, and overcome sports injuries caused by continuous single-angle and force impact on joints such as ankles, knees, and hips during running.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] A treadmill with shock-absorbing airbags includes a running platform frame, a running board, and a left airbag system and a right airbag system disposed between the running platform frame and the running board. The left airbag system includes at least a left airbag corresponding to the left foot landing area, a left air pump, an inflation left channel for inflating the left airbag, a deflation left channel for deflating the left airbag, and a left air pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure of the left airbag. The right airbag system includes at least a right airbag corresponding to the right foot landing area, a right air pump, an inflation right channel for inflating the right airbag, a deflation right channel for deflating the right airbag, and a right air pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure of the right airbag. The inflation left channel connects the left airbag and the left air pump, and the inflation right channel connects the right airbag and the right air pump. The left air pump, the right air pump, the left air pressure sensor, and the right air pressure sensor are all electrically connected to a microcontroller.

[0010] Preferably, there is one left airbag and one right airbag.

[0011] Preferably, the left and right venting paths are connected by a third tee connector. One end of the left venting path is connected to the left inflation path via a first tee connector, and a second left check valve is installed between the first and third tee connectors. One end of the right venting path is connected to the right inflation path via a second tee connector, and a second right check valve is installed between the second and third tee connectors. The other end of the third tee connector is connected to a venting solenoid valve, which is electrically connected to a microcontroller.

[0012] Preferably, a first left one-way valve is provided on the left inflation line, and the first left one-way valve is located between the left air pump and the first tee connector; a first right one-way valve is provided on the right inflation line, and the first right one-way valve is located between the right air pump and the second tee connector.

[0013] Preferably, the left pressure sensor is connected to the left inflation path via a fourth three-way connector, and the fourth three-way connector is located between the first three-way connector and the left airbag; the right pressure sensor is connected to the right inflation path via a fifth three-way connector, and the fifth three-way connector is located between the second three-way connector and the right airbag.

[0014] Preferably, there are two left airbags and two right airbags. The left airbag is divided into one left front airbag corresponding to the left foot landing area and one left rear airbag corresponding to the left foot support area. The right airbag is divided into one right front airbag corresponding to the right foot landing area and one right rear airbag corresponding to the right foot support area.

[0015] The left inflation path is divided into two paths via a left three-position three-way solenoid valve, which are respectively connected to the left front airbag and the left rear airbag. The right inflation path is divided into two paths via a right three-position three-way solenoid valve, which are respectively connected to the right front airbag and the right rear airbag.

[0016] The left air pressure sensor includes a left front air pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure of the left front airbag and electrically connected to the microcontroller, and a left rear air pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure of the left rear airbag and electrically connected to the microcontroller. The right air pressure sensor includes a right front air pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure of the right front airbag and electrically connected to the microcontroller, and a right rear air pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure of the right rear airbag and electrically connected to the microcontroller.

[0017] Both the left and right venting paths are equipped with solenoid valves for controlling on / off switching and electrically connected to a microcontroller.

[0018] Preferably, the left front air pressure sensor is connected to the left inflation path via a first left tee connector, and the first left tee connector is located between the left three-position tee solenoid valve and the left front airbag; the left rear air pressure sensor is connected to the left inflation path via a second left tee connector, and the second left tee connector is located between the left three-position tee solenoid valve and the left rear airbag.

[0019] Preferably, the right front air pressure sensor is connected to the right inflation channel via a first right tee connector, and the first right tee connector is located between the right three-position tee solenoid valve and the right front airbag; the right rear air pressure sensor is connected to the right inflation channel via a second right tee connector, and the second right tee connector is located between the right three-position tee solenoid valve and the right rear airbag.

[0020] This invention also provides a treadmill shock absorption method. The treadmill control panel controls the firmness and incline of the running platform according to a preset time-pressure-incline combination curve, and sets corresponding air pressure thresholds for each stage of the air pressure setting value. The specific shock absorption process for the left and right foot landings is as follows:

[0021] When the left foot lands, the pressure of the left airbag increases. When the pressure reaches the left airbag pressure threshold, the left airbag begins to deflate and continues to deflate. Then, when the pressure drops to the left airbag pressure setting value, the left airbag stops deflating. When the pressure drops below the left airbag pressure setting value, the left airbag begins to inflate and continues to inflate until the pressure returns to the left airbag pressure setting value.

[0022] When the right foot lands, the air pressure in the right airbag increases. When the air pressure reaches the right airbag pressure threshold, the right airbag begins to deflate and continues to deflate. Then, when the air pressure in the right airbag drops to the right airbag pressure setting value, the right airbag stops deflating. When the air pressure in the right airbag drops below the right airbag pressure setting value, the right airbag begins to inflate and continues to inflate until the right airbag pressure returns to the right airbag pressure setting value and stops.

[0023] Preferably, there is one left airbag and one right airbag, each corresponding to the landing area; or, the left airbag is divided into one left front airbag corresponding to the left foot landing area and one left rear airbag corresponding to the left foot support area, and the right airbag is divided into one right front airbag corresponding to the right foot landing area and one right rear airbag corresponding to the right foot support area, and the landing shock absorption process is performed by the left front airbag and the right front airbag.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] This invention controls the hardness and slope of the running platform according to a preset time-pressure-slope combination curve, dynamically adjusting the impact reaction force experienced by runners and reducing the risk of joint injury to runners.

[0026] The cause of treadmill resonance noise is the impact of landing on the running board during running. When the periodic impact force reaches a certain amplitude and frequency, and is the same as the inherent resonance frequency of the running board, it will cause the running board to resonate, producing greater vibration and noise. The control circuit and method of this invention adaptively adjust the air pressure changes of the airbag by changing the frequency and the phase of the inflation and deflation waveform, avoiding the inherent resonance frequency of the running board, and destroying the resonance conditions caused by the impact, thereby reducing the environmental noise caused by running, especially the resonance noise caused by impact with the floor.

[0027] This invention is applicable to various modes, including modes simulating rubber tracks, roads, grass, cement, hills, beaches, and cross-country running with different hardness and slopes. It also allows users to adjust the hardness of the left front, left rear, right front, and right rear zones of the running platform according to their individual needs for rehabilitation of an injured foot. For example, when rehabilitating a left foot injury, the hardness of the left front and left rear zones can be set to be low, while the hardness of the right front and right rear zones can be set to be high, thus ensuring stable support for the right foot and minimizing impact on the left foot when it lands.

[0028] When a treadmill uses left front airbag, left rear airbag, right front airbag, and right rear airbag, the left and right front airbags correspond to the landing areas of the left and right feet, respectively, while the left and right rear airbags correspond to the support areas of the left and right feet, respectively. The landing area refers to the area on the running platform where the foot lands when it is the swing foot during the gait cycle, and the support area refers to the area on the running platform where the foot is the support foot during the gait cycle. This allows for independent adjustment of the firmness of the left front, left rear, right front, and right rear areas of the running platform. At the same time, the firmness of the left front and right front areas is reduced by a certain percentage, such as 10%, compared to the left and right rear areas, to achieve greater cushioning at the front foot landing point and stable support for the rear foot. This reduces the impact force upon landing and maintains foot stability, thereby improving running efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the left airbag system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the right airbag system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connection between the various electronic components and the microcontroller in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the left and right airbag systems in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a waveform diagram of the air pressure of the left (right) front airbag in the forefoot-first strike mode of this invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a waveform diagram of the impact reaction force experienced by the left (right) foot when the forefoot strikes the ground first in the manner described in this invention.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a waveform diagram of the air pressure of the left front (right front) airbag in the full palm-first contact mode of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a waveform diagram of the impact reaction force experienced by the left (right) foot when landing in the palm-first contact method of this invention.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a waveform diagram of the air pressure of the left front (right front) airbag in the heel-first strike mode of this invention.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a waveform diagram of the impact reaction force experienced by the left (right) foot when the heel strikes the ground first in the manner described in this invention.

[0039] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 11. Left front airbag; 12. Left rear airbag; 13. Left three-position three-way solenoid valve; 14. Left two-position two-way solenoid valve; 15. Left air pump; 16. Left front air pressure sensor; 17. Left rear air pressure sensor; 21. Right front airbag; 22. Right rear airbag; 23. Right three-position three-way solenoid valve; 24. Right two-position two-way solenoid valve; 25. Right air pump; 26. Right front air pressure sensor; 27. Right rear air pressure sensor; 101. First left three-way connector; 102. Second left three-way connector; 103. Third left three-way connector; 201. First right three-way connector; 202. Second right three-way connector; 203. Third right three-way connector.

[0040] 10. Left airbag; 20. Right airbag; 18. Left air pressure sensor; 28. Right air pressure sensor; 38. De-inflation solenoid valve; 301. First tee connector; 302. Second tee connector; 303. Third tee connector; 304. First left check valve; 305. Second left check valve; 306. First right check valve; 307. Second right check valve; 308. Fourth tee connector; 309. Fifth tee connector. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings for detailed explanation.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this embodiment provides a treadmill with shock-absorbing airbags, including a running platform frame, a running board, and a left airbag system and a right airbag system disposed between the running platform frame and the running board.

[0044] In this embodiment, the left airbag system includes two left airbags: one is a left front airbag 11 corresponding to the left foot landing area, and the other is a left rear airbag 12 corresponding to the left foot support area.

[0045] The left front airbag 11 and the left rear airbag 12 are both inflated through the same left air pump 15. An inflation left path is provided between the left air pump 15 and the left front airbag 11 and the left rear airbag 12 for inflating them. Specifically, the inflation left path is divided into two parts by the left three-position solenoid valve 13. The front part of the inflation left path is connected by a single line to the air inlet of the left air pump 15 and the left three-position solenoid valve 13, while the rear part of the inflation left path is connected through the left three-position solenoid valve 13. The three-way solenoid valve 13 is divided into two paths, which are connected to the left front airbag 11 and the left rear airbag 12 respectively. The airflow generated by the left air pump 15 enters the air inlet of the left three-way solenoid valve 13 along the left inflation path and then enters the left front airbag 11 or the left rear airbag 12 from one of the air outlets. The left three-way solenoid valve 13 has three working positions. One working position is connected to the left front airbag 11 through the first air outlet, another working position is connected to the left rear airbag 12 through the second air outlet, and the other working position closes both the left front airbag 11 and the left rear airbag 12.

[0046] Furthermore, to enable real-time monitoring of the air pressure values ​​of the left front airbag 11 and the left rear airbag 12, this embodiment equips both the left front airbag 11 and the left rear airbag 12 with left air pressure sensors. Specifically, the left air pressure sensors consist of one left front air pressure sensor 16 for monitoring the air pressure of the left front airbag 11 and electrically connected to the microcontroller, and one left rear air pressure sensor 17 for monitoring the air pressure of the left rear airbag 12 and electrically connected to the microcontroller. There are various conventional installation methods for the left front air pressure sensor 16 and the left rear air pressure sensor 17. In this embodiment, the installation method is as follows: the left front air pressure sensor 16 is connected to the left inflation path via a first left three-way connector 101, with the first left three-way connector 101 located between the left three-position three-way solenoid valve 13 and the left front airbag 11; the left rear air pressure sensor 17 is connected to the left inflation path via a second left three-way connector 102, with the second left three-way connector 102 located between the left three-position three-way solenoid valve 13 and the left rear airbag 12.

[0047] In addition, in order to depressurize and deflate the left front airbag 11 and the left rear airbag 12 in a timely and appropriate manner, the left airbag system of this embodiment also includes a deflation left path for deflating the left front airbag 11 and the left rear airbag 12. Specifically, one end of the deflation left path in this embodiment is connected to the inflation left path through the third left three-way connector 103, and the third left three-way connector 103 is located between the left three-position three-way solenoid valve 13 and the left air pump 15. The other end of the third left three-way connector 103 is connected to the left two-position two-way solenoid valve 14 which is electrically connected to the microcontroller. When the left two-position two-way solenoid valve 14 is controlled to be open, the deflation left path is opened, and when the left two-position two-way solenoid valve 14 is controlled to be closed, the deflation left path is closed.

[0048] In this embodiment, the right airbag system includes two right airbags: one right front airbag 21 corresponding to the right foot landing area and one right rear airbag 22 corresponding to the right foot support area.

[0049] The right front airbag 21 and the right rear airbag 22 are inflated through the same right air pump 25. An inflation right path for inflating the right airbag is provided between the right air pump 25 and the right front airbag 21 and the right rear airbag 22. The inflation right path connects the right air pump 25, the right front airbag 21 and the right rear airbag 22. Specifically, the inflation right path is divided into two parts by the right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23. The front part of the inflation right path is connected to the air inlet of the right air pump 25 and the right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23 by a single line. The rear part of the inflation right path is divided into two paths by the right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23 and connected to the right front airbag 21 and the right rear airbag 22 respectively. The airflow generated by the right air pump 25 enters the air inlet of the right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23 along the inflation right path and then enters the right front airbag 21 or the right rear airbag 22 from one of the air outlets. The right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23 has three working positions.

[0050] Furthermore, to enable real-time monitoring of the air pressure values ​​of the right front airbag 21 and the right rear airbag 22, this embodiment equips both the right front airbag 21 and the right rear airbag 22 with right air pressure sensors. Specifically, the right air pressure sensors consist of one right front air pressure sensor 26 for monitoring the air pressure of the right front airbag 21 and electrically connected to the microcontroller, and one right rear air pressure sensor 27 for monitoring the air pressure of the right rear airbag 22 and electrically connected to the microcontroller. There are various conventional installation methods for the right front air pressure sensor 26 and the right rear air pressure sensor 27. In this embodiment, the installation method is as follows: the right front air pressure sensor 26 is connected to the right inflation channel via a first right three-way connector 201, with the first right three-way connector 201 located between the right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23 and the right front airbag 21; the right rear air pressure sensor 27 is connected to the right inflation channel via a second right three-way connector 202, with the second right three-way connector 202 located between the right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23 and the right rear airbag 22.

[0051] In addition, in order to depressurize and deflate the right front airbag 21 and the right rear airbag 22 in a timely and appropriate manner, the right airbag system of this embodiment also includes a right deflation path for deflating the right front airbag 21 and the right rear airbag 22. Specifically, one end of the right deflation path in this embodiment is connected to the right inflation path through a third right three-way connector 203, and the third right three-way connector 203 is located between the right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23 and the right air pump 25. The other end of the third right three-way connector 203 is connected to a right two-position two-way solenoid valve 24 that is electrically connected to the microcontroller. When the right two-position two-way solenoid valve 24 is turned on, the right deflation path is opened, and when the right two-position two-way solenoid valve 24 is turned off, the right deflation path is closed.

[0052] In this embodiment, the left air pump 15, right air pump 25, left front air pressure sensor 16, left rear air pressure sensor 17, right front air pressure sensor 26, right rear air pressure sensor 27, left three-position three-way solenoid valve 13, left two-position two-way solenoid valve 14, right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23, and right two-position two-way solenoid valve 24 are all electrically connected to a microcontroller. The microcontroller used is an STM32G070CBT6. Figure 3 As shown.

[0053] The microcontroller includes a program storage medium with built-in program software, including communication, control, and monitoring programs. The microcontroller receives control command data from the control console and sends monitoring data from the treadmill to the control console via an interface circuit. The control command data controls the treadmill according to various preset time-pressure-incline combination curves. The treadmill changes the firmness of the left front, left rear, right front, and right rear running areas over time, as well as the incline. The left front airbag 11, left rear airbag 12, right front airbag 21, and right rear airbag 22 have different air pressure settings and corresponding air pressure thresholds in different modes or different stages of the running program. The air pressure threshold is higher than the air pressure setting value, which can be set on the control console, for example, 20% higher than the air pressure setting value.

[0054] For example, the air pressure setting in the grass running mode is 20 kPa, corresponding to a Shore A hardness of 40°; the air pressure setting in the soft rubber track running mode is 30 kPa, corresponding to a Shore A hardness of 50°; and the air pressure setting in the asphalt road running mode is 50 kPa, corresponding to a Shore A hardness of 70°.

[0055] The shock absorption process when the left foot lands is as follows: When the left foot lands, the air pressure of the left airbag increases. When the air pressure reaches the left airbag pressure threshold, the left airbag begins to deflate and continues to deflate. Then, when the air pressure of the left airbag drops to the left airbag pressure setting value, the left airbag stops deflating. When the air pressure of the left airbag drops below the left airbag pressure setting value, the left airbag begins to inflate and continues to inflate until the left airbag pressure returns to the left airbag pressure setting value and stops.

[0056] The shock absorption process when the right foot lands is as follows: When the right foot lands, the air pressure of the right airbag increases. When the air pressure reaches the right airbag pressure threshold, the right airbag begins to deflate and continues to deflate. Then, when the air pressure of the right airbag drops to the right airbag pressure setting value, the right airbag stops deflating. When the air pressure of the right airbag drops below the right airbag pressure setting value, the right airbag begins to inflate and continues to inflate until the right airbag pressure returns to the right airbag pressure setting value and stops.

[0057] Specifically:

[0058] a. The air pressure of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) increases due to the impact of the left foot (right foot) landing;

[0059] b. The air pressure of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) is monitored by the air pressure sensor. The impact causes the air pressure to rise continuously.

[0060] c. When the air pressure of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) reaches the air pressure threshold, the microcontroller controls the opening of the left two-position two-way solenoid valve 14 (right two-position two-way solenoid valve 24), and the microcontroller controls the opening of the first air outlet of the left three-position three-way solenoid valve 13 (right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23).

[0061] d. The left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) begins to deflate. On the one hand, the pressure decreases due to the deflation, and on the other hand, the pressure continues to increase due to the ongoing impact. Initially, the impact pressure increase factor is greater than the deflation pressure decrease factor, and the air pressure of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) continues to rise but at a slower pace. However, as time progresses, the impact pressure increase factor gradually decreases. When the impact pressure increase factor is less than the deflation pressure decrease factor, the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) begins to gradually decrease.

[0062] e. When the air pressure of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) monitored by the air pressure sensor drops to the set value, the microcontroller controls the closure of the left two-position two-way solenoid valve 14 (right two-position two-way solenoid valve 24) and the left three-position three-way solenoid valve 13 (right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23), and the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) stops deflating.

[0063] f. Due to the continuous decrease in impact factor, although the deflation has stopped, the air pressure of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) is still decreasing;

[0064] g. When the air pressure of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) monitored by the air pressure sensor drops below the set value, the microcontroller controls the closure of the left two-position two-way solenoid valve 14 (right two-position two-way solenoid valve 24), the microcontroller controls the opening of the first air outlet of the left three-position three-way solenoid valve 13 (right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23), and the microcontroller controls the start of the left air pump 15 (right air pump 25), and the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) begins to inflate.

[0065] h. When the inflation boost factor is less than the impact factor attenuation factor, the air pressure of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) is still decreasing;

[0066] i. When the inflation boost factor is greater than the impact factor attenuation factor, the air pressure of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) reverses and rises.

[0067] j. When the air pressure of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) monitored by the air pressure sensor increases to the set value, the microcontroller controls the closure of the left two-position two-way solenoid valve 14 (right two-position two-way solenoid valve 24), the microcontroller controls the closure of the left three-position three-way solenoid valve 13 (right three-position three-way solenoid valve 23), controls the cessation of the left air pump 15 (right air pump 25), the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) stops inflating, and the air pressure set value is restored.

[0068] The following analysis examines the impact-induced changes in airbag pressure and the waveforms of the foot's reaction force under three different landing scenarios:

[0069] (1) Upon landing, the air pressure waveform of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) when the left foot (right foot) lands is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the impact waveforms of the left forefoot (or right forefoot) striking the ground first, with and without deflation of the tires (e.g., ...). Figure 6 As shown in the comparison, it can be seen that when the air is deflated, the peak value of the impact reaction force on the foot is significantly reduced, and the impact force lasts for a shorter time.

[0070] (2) Upon landing, the air pressure waveform of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) when the left foot (right foot) lands is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the impact waveforms of the left (or right) foot striking the ground first, with and without deflation, are illustrated (e.g., ...). Figure 8 As shown in the comparison, it can be seen that when the air is deflated, the peak value of the impact reaction force on the foot is significantly reduced, and the impact force lasts for a shorter time.

[0071] (3) Upon landing, the air pressure waveform of the left front airbag 11 (right front airbag 21) when the left foot (right foot) lands is as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the impact waveforms of the left heel (or right heel) striking the ground first, with and without deflation of the tires (e.g., ...). Figure 10 As shown in the comparison, it can be seen that when the air is deflated, the peak value of the impact reaction force on the foot is significantly reduced, and the impact force lasts for a shorter time.

[0072] In this embodiment, landing shock absorption is performed by the left front airbag 11 and the right front airbag 21. The left rear airbag 12 and the right rear airbag 22 are generally used as the support area for the supporting foot during running, and there is no landing impact problem. Therefore, they are not controlled by inflation and deflation. Instead, the softness and hardness of the left and right rear areas are controlled according to the preset time-pressure-incline combination curve. Moreover, the air pressure setting value of the left rear area is higher than that of the left front area, and the air pressure setting value of the right rear area is higher than that of the right front area. This helps to achieve a large cushioning at the landing point of the front foot and a stable support for the rear foot, which reduces the landing recoil force and maintains foot stability, thereby improving running efficiency indicators.

[0073] Example 2

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a treadmill with shock-absorbing airbags, including a running platform frame, a running board, and a left airbag system and a right airbag system disposed between the running platform frame and the running board.

[0075] In this embodiment, the left airbag system includes a left airbag 10, a left air pump 15, an inflation left channel for inflating the left airbag 10, a deflation left channel for deflating the left airbag 10, and a left pressure sensor 18 for monitoring the air pressure of the left airbag 10. The right airbag system includes at least a right airbag 20 corresponding to the right foot landing area, a right air pump 25, an inflation right channel for inflating the right airbag 20, a deflation right channel for deflating the right airbag 20, and a right pressure sensor 28 for monitoring the air pressure of the right airbag 20. There is one left airbag 10 and one right airbag 20, respectively positioned for the left foot landing area and the right foot landing area.

[0076] The left inflation path connects the left airbag 10 and the left air pump 15, and the right inflation path connects the right airbag 20 and the right air pump 25. One end of the left deflation path is connected to the left inflation path via a first tee connector 301, and one end of the right deflation path is connected to the right inflation path via a second tee connector 302. The left deflation path and the right deflation path are connected via a third tee connector 303, and the other end of the third tee connector 303 is connected to the deflation solenoid valve 38.

[0077] A second left check valve 305 is installed between the first three-way connector 301 and the third three-way connector 303, and a second right check valve 307 is installed between the second three-way connector 302 and the third three-way connector 303. The second left check valve 305 and the second right check valve 307 ensure that the deflation of the left airbag 10 and the right airbag 20 will not affect each other.

[0078] The left inflation path is provided with a first left one-way valve 304, and the right inflation path is provided with a first right one-way valve 306. The first left one-way valve 304 is located between the left air pump 15 and the first three-way connector 301, and the first right one-way valve 306 is located between the right air pump 25 and the second three-way connector 302.

[0079] The left air pressure sensor 18 is connected to the left inflation path through the fourth three-way connector 308, and the fourth three-way connector 308 is located between the first three-way connector 301 and the left airbag 10. The right air pressure sensor 28 is connected to the right inflation path through the fifth three-way connector 309, and the fifth three-way connector 309 is located between the second three-way connector 302 and the right airbag 20.

[0080] The left air pump 15, right air pump 25, left air pressure sensor 18, right air pressure sensor 28, and venting solenoid valve 38 are all electrically connected to the microcontroller, which is an STM32G070CBT6.

[0081] The microcontroller includes a program storage medium with built-in program software, including communication, control, and monitoring programs. The microcontroller receives control command data from the control console and sends monitoring data from the treadmill to the control console via an interface circuit. The control command data controls the treadmill according to various preset time-pressure-incline combination curves. The treadmill changes the firmness of the left and right running zones over time, as well as the incline. The left airbag 10 and right airbag 20 have different pressure settings and corresponding pressure thresholds in different modes or stages of the running program. The pressure threshold is higher than the pressure setting value, which can be set on the control console, for example, 20% higher than the pressure setting value.

[0082] The shock absorption process when the left foot lands is as follows: When the left foot lands, the air pressure of the left airbag 10 increases. When the air pressure threshold of the left airbag 10 is reached, the left airbag 10 begins to deflate and continues to deflate. Then, when the air pressure of the left airbag 10 drops to the set air pressure value of the left airbag 10, the left airbag 10 stops deflating. When the air pressure of the left airbag 10 drops below the set air pressure value of the left airbag 10, the left airbag 10 begins to inflate and continues to inflate until the air pressure of the left airbag 10 returns to the set air pressure value of the left airbag 10 and stops.

[0083] The shock absorption process when the right foot lands is as follows: When the right foot lands, the air pressure of the right airbag 20 increases. When the air pressure threshold of the right airbag 20 is reached, the right airbag 20 begins to deflate and continues to deflate. Then, when the air pressure of the right airbag 20 drops to the set air pressure value, the right airbag 20 stops deflating. When the air pressure of the right airbag 20 drops below the set air pressure value, the right airbag 20 begins to inflate and continues to inflate until the air pressure of the right airbag 20 returns to the set air pressure value.

[0084] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features and advantages of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are only illustrative of the principles of this invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to this invention without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A treadmill having a shock absorbing bladder, characterised in that: The treadmill includes a treadmill frame, a running board, and a left air bag system and a right air bag system arranged between the treadmill frame and the running board, the left air bag system including at least a left air bag corresponding to a left foot landing area, a left air pump, and an inflation left path for inflating the left air bag, a deflation left path for deflating the left air bag, and a left air pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure of the left air bag, the right air bag system including at least a right air bag corresponding to a right foot landing area, a right air pump, and an inflation right path for inflating the right air bag, a deflation right path for deflating the right air bag, and a right air pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure of the right air bag, the inflation left path connecting the left air bag and the left air pump, the inflation right path connecting the right air bag and the right air pump, the left air pump, the right air pump, the left air pressure sensor, and the right air pressure sensor being electrically connected to a single-chip microcomputer; The left air bag and the right air bag are each 2, the left air bag includes a left front air bag corresponding to a left foot landing area and a left rear air bag corresponding to a left foot support area, and the right air bag includes a right front air bag corresponding to a right foot landing area and a right rear air bag corresponding to a right foot support area; The inflation left path is divided into two paths by a left three-way three-way electromagnetic valve and connected to the left front air bag and the left rear air bag, respectively, and the inflation right path is divided into two paths by a right three-way three-way electromagnetic valve and connected to the right front air bag and the right rear air bag, respectively; The left air pressure sensor includes a left front air pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure of the left front air bag and electrically connected to the single-chip microcomputer, and a left rear air pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure of the left rear air bag and electrically connected to the single-chip microcomputer, and the right air pressure sensor includes a right front air pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure of the right front air bag and electrically connected to the single-chip microcomputer, and a right rear air pressure sensor for monitoring the air pressure of the right rear air bag and electrically connected to the single-chip microcomputer; The deflation left path and the deflation right path each have an electromagnetic valve for controlling the on-off and electrically connected to the single-chip microcomputer.

2. The treadmill with a shock-absorbing air bag according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left front air pressure sensor is connected to the inflation left path through a first left three-way joint, and the first left three-way joint is located between the left three-way three-way electromagnetic valve and the left front air bag; the left rear air pressure sensor is connected to the inflation left path through a second left three-way joint, and the second left three-way joint is located between the left three-way three-way electromagnetic valve and the left rear air bag.

3. The treadmill with a shock-absorbing air bag according to claim 1, characterized in that: The right front air pressure sensor is connected to the inflation right path through a first right three-way joint, and the first right three-way joint is located between the right three-way three-way electromagnetic valve and the right front air bag; the right rear air pressure sensor is connected to the inflation right path through a second right three-way joint, and the second right three-way joint is located between the right three-way three-way electromagnetic valve and the right rear air bag.

4. A method of damping a treadmill characterized by: The treadmill with shock-absorbing air bags as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, the treadmill console controls the softness and slope of the running board according to a preset time-air pressure-slope combination relationship curve, and sets corresponding air pressure thresholds for the air pressure set values of each stage, and the left and right foot landing shock-absorbing process is as follows: When the left foot lands, the left air bag air pressure rises, when the left air bag air pressure threshold is reached, the left air bag starts to deflate and continues to deflate, then when the left air bag air pressure drops to the left air bag air pressure set value, the left air bag stops deflating, and when the left air bag air pressure drops below the left air bag air pressure set value, the left air bag starts to inflate and continues to inflate until the left air bag air pressure returns to the left air bag air pressure set value stops; When the right foot lands, the right airbag pressure rises, and when the right airbag pressure threshold is reached, the right airbag starts to deflate and continues to deflate, then when the right airbag pressure drops to the right airbag pressure set value, the right airbag stops deflating, and when the right airbag pressure drops below the right airbag pressure set value, the right airbag starts to inflate and continues to inflate until the right airbag pressure returns to the right airbag pressure set value stops; The left airbag is divided into a left front airbag corresponding to the landing area of the left foot and a left rear airbag corresponding to the supporting area of the left foot, and the right airbag is divided into a right front airbag corresponding to the landing area of the right foot and a right rear airbag corresponding to the supporting area of the right foot, and the landing shock absorption process is performed by the left front airbag and the right front airbag.

Citation Information

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