Pivot-Locked Treadmill Handlebar Structure for Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional treadmill handle bars, integrated with control and display functions, are inflexible and occupy significant space due to their increasing size, making storage cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A folding structure for treadmill handle bars featuring a vertical supporting post, a handle bar, a position limiting member, and a reset member, allowing the handle bar to pivot and fold against the post using a movable position limiting mechanism with a protrusion and grooves, facilitated by a tension spring for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional handle bars are locked to vertical supporting posts by screws or formed integrally, then structural stability is improved, but foldability and space efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidfoldability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handle bar assembly is designed with a pivotal connection allowing it to rotate between a horizontal extended position and a vertical folded position against the supporting post. The position limiting member dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states to enable this motion while maintaining stability in each position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between handle bar and supporting post is divided into separate functional components: a pivotal piece for rotation, a position limiting member for locking, and a reset member for automatic positioning. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If handle bars are made larger to integrate control and display functions, then functionality is improved, but space occupation and storage convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle bar assembly can dynamically change its spatial configuration between an extended horizontal position for use and a folded vertical position for storage. This reduces the footprint from the full handle bar width to minimal space against the post, accommodating large functional units without permanent space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If position limiting member is made movable to enable folding, then foldability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefoldabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reset member (spring) automatically returns the position limiting member to its locked position after folding or unfolding operations, eliminating the need for manual resetting or complex control mechanisms. The system self-regulates its state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The position limiting member acts as an intermediary between the pivotal connection and the handle bar, providing a simple mechanical locking interface through protrusion-groove engagement without requiring complex actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple position limiting grooves are provided for different states, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented into multiple discrete grooves on the first pivotal piece, each corresponding to a specific stable position (unfolded, folded, intermediate). This allows precise positioning through simple geometric features rather than complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 flexible folding and storage of the handle bars, reducing space requirements while maintaining structural integrity and longevity, and minimizing noise and installation complexity.

Implementation Method 1

two ends of the reset member are connected to the handle bar and the position limiting member respectively in a way that the protrusion of the position limiting member is biased towards the first pivotal piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The position limiting member is pivotally connected at the second pivotal piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12427366B2Folding structure for treadmill handle bar

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 XIAMEN MYDO SPORTS EQUIP

AI summary

A folding structure for treadmill handle bar, including a handle bar foldable against a supporting post, and also a position limiting member and a reset member, where a first pivotal piece is provided on a top end of the supporting post; at least two position limiting grooves are formed on the first pivotal piece; a second pivotal piece is provided at an end portion of the handle bar; the first and second pivotal pieces are coaxial; the positioning limiting member is pivotally connected to the second pivotal piece and vertical aligned with the first pivotal piece; the position limiting member has a driver part and a protrusion engageable with the position limiting grooves; and the reset member is connected with the handle bar and the position limiting piece.