Exercise Deck Separation from Uprights for Neutral-State Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Exercise devices, such as treadmills, can cause user injuries due to sudden changes in operating parameters when users lose balance or trip, and existing designs do not effectively mitigate these risks.
Innovation Solution
An exercise device with a separable exercise deck and an input device equipped with a limit sensor that adjusts operating parameters to a neutral state when excessive input is detected, preventing injuries by locking movable elements or reducing resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the exercise deck is rigidly connected to uprights, then structural stability is improved, but injury risk increases when users lose balance due to inability to adjust operating parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise deck is made separable from the uprights, dividing the previously rigid structure into independent components. This allows the exercise deck to be adjusted or removed independently, enabling users to modify operating parameters (such as incline settings) without being constrained by a fixed rigid connection, thereby reducing injury risk while maintaining structural stability during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the exercise deck and uprights is changed from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. Users can independently adjust the operating parameters of the exercise deck relative to the uprights, allowing the system to adapt to user needs and reduce injury risk when users lose balance or trip during exercise.
2Device complexity
If operating parameters are fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases when users need to adjust for safety or comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent components, with the exercise deck's operating parameters (such as incline) being independently adjustable from the uprights. This segmentation allows users to modify parameters without affecting the overall structural integrity, maintaining simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed operating parameters to dynamically adjustable parameters. The exercise deck can be independently adjusted relative to the uprights, allowing users to change operating conditions (incline, position) as needed for safety or comfort without increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise device, such as a treadmill, may include an exercise deck and uprights on either side of the exercise deck. The exercise deck and the uprights may be selectively removable, such that the treadmill may be operated without the uprights (such as with only the exercise deck), adjustments to an incline of the exercise deck may be independent from the uprights, and force transfers between the exercise deck and the uprights may be eliminated or reduced. An input device may include an input arm. An input device may include a limit sensor in the input arm, the limit sensor detecting a magnitude of an input that is above a safety threshold for adjusting the at least one operating parameter. An auto stop system may adjust the at least one operating parameter to a neutral operating state when the magnitude is above the safety threshold.