Scissor-Arm Treadmill Platform for Stable Vertical Load Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treadmills lack the ability to dynamically adjust the vertical position of the user engagement platform in response to changing loads, which can lead to inefficient workouts and inaccurate force measurements.

Innovation Solution

A treadmill with a vertically displaceable platform, supported by a mechanism that includes scissor arms and a linear actuator, which resists downward movement and rebounds upwardly to simulate various running surfaces and enhance user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the platform is made fixed and stable, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to dynamically adjust vertical position in response to changing loads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform stabilityVSAvoidvertical position adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one capable of vertical movement. The mechanism includes a platform that can move vertically relative to the base, allowing it to adapt to changing loads while maintaining stability through controlled motion rather than rigid fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A mechanical mechanism serves as an intermediary between the base and the platform. This mechanism includes components that transmit and control forces between the fixed base and the movable platform, enabling both stability and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the platform is made movable to simulate various running surfaces, then workout realism is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverunning surface simulation capabilityVSAvoidforce measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect the vertical position and movement of the platform, providing feedback to a control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain accurate force measurements while the platform moves to simulate different running surfaces, as the control system can compensate for positional changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical force transmission with a system that incorporates electronic sensing and control. Force sensors and position sensors convert mechanical movements into electrical signals that can be processed and used to maintain measurement accuracy despite platform movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanism with multiple components is used to achieve vertical displacement, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical displacement controlVSAvoidmechanism structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical displacement mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a support structure with scissor arms for mechanical displacement, a linear actuator for controlled movement, and sensors for position feedback. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system adaptability.

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

The vertically displaceable platform allows for precise control of resistance and rebound forces, providing a more dynamic and realistic workout experience while also enabling accurate force measurements and improved user safety.

Implementation Method 1

an intermediate portion of the first scissor arm is pivotally attached to an intermediate portion of the second scissor arm so that pivoting of the first and second scissor arms with respect to one another results in support of the platform at various vertical displacements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

a resistance/rebound mechanism coupled to the base and to the platform and capable of providing displacement resistance in a first direction and rebound responsiveness in an opposite second direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12324952B2Treadmill with vertically displaceable platform

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 NIKE INC

AI summary

A treadmill has a base with a vertically displaceable platform. A mechanism is provided that resists the downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform. The mechanism also rebounds the platform upwardly with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease of a load on the platform. A support structure enables stable vertical positioning of the platform with respect to the base.