Dual Treadle Treadmill with Generator-Driven Variable Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual treadle treadmills produce unnatural motions due to their operating mechanisms, failing to provide a natural and effective exercise experience that simulates both treadmill-like and stair climber-like motions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dual treadle treadmill design featuring pivotally coupled treadles with a generator-driven pulley system and clutch mechanism that provides adjustable resistance through a variable electrical load, synchronizing the motion of the treadles and translating user input into controlled rotary motion to manage the fall rate and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a generator is added to provide resistance, then the exercise effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides resistance during exercise, generates electrical energy from the user's motion, and can be adjusted to offer variable resistance levels. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance provided by the generator is made variable through an electrical load that can be adjusted. This allows the same generator to provide different resistance levels suitable for various exercise intensities and user needs, improving exercise effectiveness across different scenarios without requiring multiple separate resistance mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a pulley system with clutch mechanism is used to synchronize treadles, then the motion naturalness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical synchronization mechanisms with a system that uses a generator and pulley arrangement driven by the user's foot motion. The generator's rotor, engaged with the treadles through pulleys, creates a more natural synchronized motion that responds to the user's natural stepping rhythm rather than imposing a rigid mechanical linkage.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism allows the pulley system to dynamically engage and disengage based on the user's motion. This dynamic engagement provides smooth transitions and natural synchronization of the dual treadles, adapting to the user's pace and stride rather than maintaining a fixed mechanical connection.
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
The solution enhances the exercise experience by providing a natural stair stepping motion while offering adjustable resistance, allowing for a more effective simulation of climbing stairs and improving user engagement and health benefits.
Implementation Method 1
the generator is operably associated with the first treadle such that the generator is driven in response to the first treadle pivoting relative to the frame
Implementation Method 2
provides resistance through a variable electrical load
Data Source
AI summary
A dual treadle treadmill. The dual treadle treadmill includes a frame, a first treadle, a second treadle, and a generator. The first treadle and the second treadle are each pivotally coupled with the frame and each have a moving surface. The generator is operably associated with the first treadle such that the generator is driven in response to the first treadle pivoting relative to the frame. Other embodiments of dual treadle treadmills are also described.