Foldable Treadmill Work Surface With Adjustable Ergonomic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treadmill desks are bulky, lack portability, and have ergonomic issues due to non-adjustable height, which can cause stress on carpal tunnels and arm tendons, and are not compatible with various treadmill configurations.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus with a hinged joint and adjustable side-supports that can be collapsed for easy transportation, providing an ergonomic work surface by aligning desktop members at an adjustable height and splay angle to accommodate different handrail configurations, ensuring comfort and compatibility with various treadmills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rigid board is used as the work surface, then the structure is simple, but the portability and adaptability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is divided into two separate desktop members (first and second desktop members) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each desktop member can be separately aligned with the corresponding handrail of the treadmill, allowing the apparatus to adapt to various treadmill configurations while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The joint connecting the two desktop members provides rotational movement capability, allowing the work surface to transition between different configurations. The side support members can also be adjusted to different angles, enabling the apparatus to adapt dynamically to different treadmill types and user needs
2Ease of manufacture
If the work surface height is fixed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ergonomics deteriorate due to wrist stress
Solution Approach 1:
The side support members are designed with adjustable angle capability, allowing users to modify the height and tilt of the work surface according to their ergonomic needs. This dynamic adjustment feature enables proper wrist alignment and reduces carpal tunnel stress while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standardized adjustable mechanisms
3Stability of the object's composition
If the apparatus is made bulky to provide stable support, then the support stability is improved, but the portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into separate modular components including two desktop members, two side support members, and connecting joints. This segmentation allows each component to be lightweight and easy to handle, yet when assembled, they provide stable support through proper geometric distribution and rigid connections
Solution Approach 2:
The side support members can be collapsed or nested against the desktop members when not in use, reducing the overall volume and making the apparatus compact and portable. The hinged joints allow the structure to fold into a compact configuration that maintains stability when deployed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for allowing a person to operate a computer while walking on a treadmill with handrails is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rigid first member, a rigid second member and a joint connecting a first end of the first member to a first end of the second member. The connection has at least two positions including a first position and a second position. The first position aligns the first and second members into a first configuration for providing a work surface wherein a first surface of the first member is coplanar to a first surface of the second member to create the work surface for supporting a computing device and a user's wrists, the work surface rigid enough to support the computer device and the user's wrists. The second position aligns the first member and the second member into a second configuration for transportation.