Self-Powered Speed Control for Passive Treadmills Using Generator Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical type mountain climbing machines lack speed control and customization, leading to inconsistent training effects due to gravity and weight, while electric type treadmills consume high electrical power.
Innovation Solution
A speed adjustment method and device for mountain climbing machines that uses a generator linked to the running belt, generating power to provide resistance and maintain constant speed without external electrical power, utilizing a control circuit with a single-chip module, driving modules, and a rechargeable battery module to optimize speed control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a mechanical type treadmill is used without external power source, then power consumption is reduced, but speed control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical speed control system with an electromagnetic system. A generator is coupled to the driving roller to convert mechanical energy from the user's running into electrical energy, which is then used by a motor to provide controlled resistance and maintain constant belt speed. This substitution enables electronic speed control while maintaining the passive treadmill design without external power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own running motion to generate the electrical power needed for speed control. The generator converts the mechanical energy from the user's movement into electricity, which powers the motor that provides resistance control. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources while maintaining speed control capability.
2Ease of operation
If a generator is added to provide speed control, then speed control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the generator and motor into a single integrated system coupled to the driving roller. The generator and motor share the same rotational axis and mechanical connection, allowing them to work as a unified power conversion and control system. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while providing speed control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving roller serves multiple functions: it drives the running belt, couples to the generator for power generation, and couples to the motor for resistance control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the device structure while achieving speed control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the running belt is tilted to simulate mountain climbing, then training effectiveness is improved, but speed stability deteriorates due to gravity and user weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a feedback control mechanism where a sensor detects the actual belt speed and feeds this information to a control circuit. The control circuit compares the detected speed with the target speed and adjusts the motor's resistance accordingly to maintain constant belt speed. This feedback loop compensates for the speed variations caused by the tilted belt configuration and user weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor provides preliminary opposing force to counteract the gravitational effect on the tilted belt. By actively generating resistance through the motor before speed deviations occur, the system prevents gravity-induced acceleration and maintains stable belt speed throughout the exercise session.
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 low power consumption, customizable speed control, and efficient energy use, allowing trainers to select suitable speeds based on their physical condition, enhancing training effectiveness while reducing electrical power usage.
Implementation Method 1
The generator will generate electric power while the running belt is operated
Implementation Method 2
portions of the electric power generated by the generator is stored into the rechargeable battery module
Data Source
AI summary
A mountain climbing machine, which does not require connecting with an external electrical power source, includes a running belt, front and rear rollers, and a generator operatively linked to one of the front and rear rollers for generating electrical power when the running belt is running, wherein a rotational speed of said generator is controlled by a consumption of the electrical power generated from the running belt so as to provide a resistance force at one of the front and rear rollers to maintain the running belt at a constant speed without connecting to the external electrical power source.