Hand-Powered Treadmill with Cyclic Energy Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treadmills, both motorized and non-motorized, face challenges in providing intense workouts without risking user safety or limiting operational speed control, with non-motorized treadmills being particularly difficult to use effectively for achieving desired running speeds due to frictional resistance and limited intensity options.
Innovation Solution
A hand-powered treadmill system with reciprocal handles connected to a drive train, incorporating a cyclic energy storing and releasing system and speed transmission, allowing smooth power transfer from the user's hands to the tread belt, enabling efficient and controlled intensity workouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-motorized treadmill is used to eliminate external power dependency, then user control over speed is improved, but frictional resistance prevents reaching desired running speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hand-powered drive mechanism that adds a vertical dimension to power input. Instead of relying solely on horizontal foot movement against friction, users apply force vertically on hand handles, transferring power through a different spatial dimension to the tread belt via pulley and chain mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs intermediate mechanical components including hand handles, pulleys, chains, and cranks that mediate between user input and tread belt movement. These intermediaries transform hand motions into rotational and linear movements that drive the belt, overcoming the direct friction limitation of foot-based non-motorized treadmills.
2Speed
If motorized treadmill is used to achieve desired speed, then running speed is improved, but user safety and control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The treadmill is designed to be entirely self-powered by user input through hand handles, eliminating motors and electronic controls. The mechanical transmission system automatically converts hand motions into belt movement at user-controlled speeds, ensuring safety through direct human agency rather than automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a motor to drive the belt and having the user passively control speed, the patent inverts the relationship by having the user actively drive the belt through hand-powered mechanisms. This inversion gives users direct mechanical control over speed, eliminating safety concerns associated with motorized systems.
3Power
If incline is increased to gain workout intensity, then exercise intensity is improved, but knee injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the power input from horizontal foot movement to vertical hand movement. By applying force vertically on hand handles, users generate workout intensity without the knee-stressful inclined surface, transferring the intensity-generating action to a different body region and spatial dimension.
4Extent of automation
If frictional resistance is increased to enable non-motorized operation, then external power dependency is reduced, but speed achievement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mechanical intermediaries (hand handles, pulleys, chains, cranks) that decouple the direct relationship between user effort and belt movement. These intermediaries allow users to overcome frictional resistance indirectly through leveraged mechanical advantage, achieving desired speeds without increasing friction.
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 hand-powered treadmill system allows for a full-body exercise with high calorie burning, replacing the need for motorized treadmills by providing a safe and efficient means to achieve desired workout intensities while maintaining user control over speed.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclic energy storing and releasing system with a pair of cranks are used in the drive train
Implementation Method 2
the flywheel does not generate sufficient kinetic energy to pass dead spots
Implementation Method 3
A pair of cranks is used to transfer each handle's pivotal movement into a rotary movement and to couple both handles in reciprocal and opposite movement
Implementation Method 4
because the frictional resistance between the tread belt and the foot board's upper surface needs to be overcome by the user
Data Source
AI summary
A novel treadmill has a practical hand-powered system to replace the electric motor for driving the tread belt. The hand-powered system includes fixed range movement of both handles, cranks coupling system for two handles, and a cyclic spring or magnetic energy storage and release system to help pass each handle's dead spot. The handles' pivotal and reciprocal movement can be smoothly and efficiently converted to tread belt movement.