Curved Treadmill One-Way Coupling for Multi-Mode Exercise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional curved treadmills are limited in the variety of physical exercises they can accommodate, primarily allowing only simple walking or running, which restricts their versatility and the range of cardiovascular and muscular strength training.
Innovation Solution
A curved treadmill design featuring a base with transverse rollers, a rotating physical exercise surface, and adjustable elements such as marking strips, handles, and a braking system, allowing for multiple exercise modes and resistance levels by enabling one-way or two-way rotation and incorporating features like a flywheel for speed control and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional curved treadmill design is used, then the structure remains simple and motorless, but the variety of physical exercises is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The treadmill belt is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the running surface and the resistance mechanism. By enabling the belt to rotate in both directions and incorporating variable resistance through the braking system, a single piece of equipment supports diverse exercises including walking, running, backward walking, and resistance training, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The treadmill incorporates a dynamic braking system that can adjust resistance levels and control belt rotation direction. This dynamic control allows the same basic structure to adapt to different exercise requirements, enabling users to switch between various exercise modes by adjusting brake force and rotation direction rather than requiring multiple specialized machines
2Adaptability or versatility
If the treadmill allows only simple walking or running, then the device complexity remains low, but the cardiovascular and muscular strength training capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The treadmill belt and braking system combination creates a multi-functional exercise device. The same mechanical structure supports both cardiovascular exercises (forward and backward walking/running) and muscular strength training through variable resistance, eliminating the need for separate equipment for different training types
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system enables continuous adjustment of resistance parameters, allowing the treadmill to transition from low-resistance cardiovascular exercise to high-resistance strength training. By varying brake force and rotation direction, the equipment adapts to different training intensities and muscle group engagements without structural modifications
3Ease of operation
If a motor is added to control belt speed, then speed control precision improves, but the manual actuation benefit and exercise intensity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system provides continuous feedback-based speed control. As users move at different speeds, the brake force automatically adjusts to maintain appropriate resistance levels. This passive feedback mechanism enables precise speed and resistance control entirely through user motion, preserving manual actuation benefits while achieving effective speed regulation
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 a broader range of physical exercises, including cardiovascular and strength training, with adjustable resistance and safety features, enhancing user versatility and safety without the need for a motor.
Implementation Method 1
the weight force exerted by the user on the physical exercise surface 5, in particular at the portion with greater curvature (for example, at the first roller 3), causes the rotation of the first roller 3 and the second roller 4
Implementation Method 2
a brake device (19) configured for exerting a braking action on the first roller (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Curved treadmill having a base comprising: a physical exercise surface (5) configured for rotating around a first roller (3) and a second roller (4), converting the potential energy of the user on the physical exercise surface 5 into rotational kinetic energy; a first pulley (21) operatively connected to the first roller (3) adapted to rotate around a respective rotation axis (AP). The base comprises a first coupling device (20) of the first pulley (21) with the first roller (3) operatively connected between the first roller (3) and the first pulley (21). The first coupling device (20), during the rotation of the physical exercise surface (5) in a first rotation sense (S1) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the base, is configured for allowing the integral rotation of the first pulley (21) and the first roller (3) around the respective rotation axis (AP, A1) if the rotation speed of the first roller (3) is equal to or greater than the rotation speed of the first pulley (21) and for preventing the integral rotation of the first pulley (21) and the first roller (3) around the respective rotation axis (AP, A1) if the rotation speed of the first roller (3) is lower than the rotation speed of the first pulley (21).