Adjustable Treadmill Belt Damping for Surface Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise treadmills do not allow users to simulate the feel of different running surfaces, such as grass, sand, and dirt, as the degree of springiness and damping in the treadmill belt cannot be altered to mimic these conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
An exercise treadmill with an impact absorbing assembly and a control system that adjusts the physical properties of the belt beneath the user's feet, using components like ferromagnetic granules, air bags, or adjustable rollers, to simulate the sensation of running on various surfaces based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the treadmill belt uses a fixed physical structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to simulate different running surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the impact absorbing assembly adjustable rather than fixed. The assembly can change its physical properties (damping and springiness) based on user selection, allowing the treadmill to adapt to simulate different running surfaces. This is achieved through adjustable components that modify the mechanical characteristics of the belt support system in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the impact absorbing assembly to simulate different surfaces. By adjusting damping coefficients and spring constants of the assembly, the system can recreate the feel of various surfaces like grass, sand, or dirt. This parameter adjustment allows one physical structure to perform multiple simulation functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the treadmill belt provides consistent cushioning, then user comfort is improved, but the ability to simulate different surface conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the cushioning characteristics of the treadmill belt based on the selected surface mode. Rather than providing fixed consistent cushioning, the impact absorbing assembly modifies its properties to match the chosen surface, creating variable comfort that accurately simulates different terrain conditions while remaining comfortable for the user.
3Ease of manufacture
If the treadmill uses a simple belt structure, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to absorb impact and simulate surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the treadmill belt system into distinct functional components: the belt itself and the separate impact absorbing assembly. This segmentation allows the belt to remain simple while the assembly provides specialized impact absorption and surface simulation capabilities. The modular approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while enhancing functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact absorbing assembly acts as an intermediary between the simple treadmill belt and the user's feet. This intermediate component absorbs and modulates impact forces, providing surface simulation capabilities without requiring the belt itself to be complex. The intermediary structure protects the simple belt design while adding advanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise treadmill includes a frame, an endless belt, and a motor assembly for guiding the belt between front and rear ends of the frame while a user walks or runs on the belt. An impact absorbing assembly is supported beneath a region of the treadmill belt impacted by the user's feet when the user walks or runs on the belt. The assembly has physical properties that serve to define degrees of damping or springiness of the belt in the region impacted by the user. A control system including a user interface is coupled to the absorbing assembly, and the system is configured and operative to vary the physical properties of the assembly in response to an output from the user interface. The region of treadmill belt impacted by the user's feet then simulates a desired one of a number of different surfaces entered by the user on the interface.