Configurable Tread Support Surface for Indoor Sled Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sled training is limited by the need for significant space, variable friction on different surfaces, and difficulty in tracking exercise metrics, especially in indoor and outdoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A tread-based machine that can transition between sled training and traditional treadmill modes, featuring a configurable support surface, adjustable resistance, and integrated metrics tracking, allowing for space-efficient and weather-independent exercise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If sled training is performed outdoors on natural surfaces, then space requirements are reduced, but friction variability makes it difficult to create desired resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a treadmill belt as an intermediary between the user and the ground surface. The belt provides a controlled, consistent friction surface that mediates the interaction, eliminating the friction variability of outdoor surfaces while maintaining the sled training effect. The belt acts as a mediator that standardizes the resistance interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter by using a standardized treadmill belt surface instead of variable outdoor surfaces. This parameter change provides consistent friction characteristics while maintaining the training effect, allowing for reliable resistance control without requiring large outdoor spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If weights are manually added or removed from the sled to adjust resistance, then resistance can be changed, but the process is inconvenient and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manually adding/removing weights with an automated resistance control system. The system uses a controller that can electronically adjust resistance parameters, eliminating the need for manual weight handling and significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance adjustment system is designed to be self-service through automated control. The user can adjust resistance through electronic interfaces without manual intervention in the resistance mechanism itself, making the system self-regulating and time-efficient.
3Area of stationary object
If sled training is performed indoors on rubber matting or indoor turf, then space is contained, but friction still varies and tracking metrics requires dedicated tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the treadmill system multi-functional by integrating both cardio training and sled training capabilities in a single device. The same treadmill infrastructure supports both traditional running and sled-like resistance training, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tools for metrics tracking while providing comprehensive training options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sled training functionality with the treadmill infrastructure. By combining the resistance control mechanisms and metrics tracking systems into a single integrated platform, the patent eliminates the need for separate tracking tools and provides unified control for both training modalities.
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 convenient resistance adjustment and metric tracking, reducing space requirements and eliminating friction variability, making sled training feasible indoors and outdoors.
Implementation Method 1
movement of the belt causes rotation of the front roller and the back roller
Implementation Method 2
the belt may include anti-slip treads that provide traction for a user of the tread-based machine
Data Source
AI summary
A tread-based machine includes a frame. The frame includes a front roller, a back roller, and a support surface positioned between the front roller and the back roller. The support surface is flat during a first operation mode for the tread-based machine, and the support surface is curved during a second operation mode for the tread-based machine. The tread-based machine also includes a belt wrapped around at least a portion of the front roller and at least a portion of the back roller such that movement of the belt causes rotation of the front roller and the back roller.