Abdominal Drive Treadmill for High-Intensity Push-Force Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treadmills face challenges in generating additional drive force for high-intensity workouts without high speed or incline, especially in non-motorized models, limiting user control and usability.

Innovation Solution

A human-powered treadmill design featuring an ab-drive object, such as an ab-band, ab-belt, ab-bar, or ab-roller, positioned in front of the user's abdomen to generate propulsion by pushing against it, transferring force to the treadmill belt.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If non-motorized treadmills rely on user overcoming frictional resistance, then the treadmill structure is simpler and safer, but it is hard to achieve high speeds without significant incline which reduces user control and limits usability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiduser control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an abdominal drive mechanism as an intermediary between the user's body weight and the treadmill belt. The abdominal push against the drive object generates propulsive force, mediating the transfer of energy from the user to the belt without requiring high speed or steep incline, thus maintaining safety while improving controllability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a new dimension of force application by utilizing the abdominal area as a propulsion interface. Instead of relying solely on leg power and incline adjustments, the system incorporates anterior-posterior abdominal pushing motion to generate drive force, expanding the available control dimensions for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If non-motorized treadmills use frictional resistance, then the device complexity is reduced, but additional drive force for high-intensity workouts cannot be generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreadmill structureVSAvoiddrive force

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The abdominal drive mechanism utilizes the user's own body weight and abdominal muscles to generate propulsive force. The system is self-powered without requiring external motors or complex mechanical advantage systems, maintaining simplicity while enabling high-intensity workouts through the user's inherent physical capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of force application from passive friction resistance to active abdominal push force. By transforming the interaction mechanism between user and treadmill, the system generates significantly higher drive force for high-intensity workouts without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If motorized treadmills adjust speed and incline for desired workout intensity, then workout intensity control is improved, but safety risks increase and impact on user's knees becomes harder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkout intensity controlVSAvoidknee impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motorized speed control system with a passive abdominal drive mechanism. Instead of using motors to control belt speed, the system relies on the user's abdominal pushing motion to propel the belt, eliminating motor-related safety risks and reducing mechanical impact on the knees while maintaining workout intensity control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables high-intensity workouts without requiring high speed or incline, enhancing user control and usability by leveraging the user's abdomen to create a consistent push force.

Implementation Method 1

Non-motorized treadmills rely on the user overcoming frictional resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the user's abdomen pushes against the ab-drive object, creating a backward thrust on the user's feet. This interaction propels the treadmill's running belt backward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20260007923A1Treadmill with consistent push force on user's abdomen

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 YAN HUI

AI summary

The present invention introduces a human-powered treadmill designed to provide a consistent push force on the user's abdomen, facilitating the movement of the treadmill belt through the user's feet. The treadmill features an ab-drive object, such as an flexible object (ab-band or ab-belt) and a solid object (ab-pad or ab-roller), positioned at the front of the treadmill frame. When the user leans forward during exercise, their abdomen pushes against this object, creating a backward thrust on their feet that propels the treadmill belt. This design allows for high-intensity workouts with/without the need for high speeds or inclines, addressing safety and usability issues associated with traditional motorized and non-motorized treadmills. The ab-drive object is adjustable to accommodate different user sizes and includes options for resistance/braking systems to vary workout intensity.