Seated Treadmill with Short Roller Distance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional treadmills are impractical for individuals with physical limitations, such as the disabled, physically rehabilitating individuals, the elderly, and those in workplace settings, as they require standing and balance, and most existing seated treadmills are either structurally different or not designed for seated stepping with short roller distances.
Innovation Solution
A seated treadmill with front and rear rollers separated by a longitudinal distance of 10-30 inches, lacking a front housing, controlled by a remote, and equipped with an elastic and thick tread belt, automatically shutting off if a user stands on it, designed for seated stepping and use in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional treadmills are used, then cardiovascular exercise can be achieved, but users must stand and maintain balance which excludes individuals with physical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional treadmill usage by allowing users to exercise while seated rather than standing. The treadmill belt is positioned horizontally in front of the user, and users propel themselves by moving their feet on the belt while seated in a chair or on the treadmill surface, eliminating the need for standing and balance maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of treadmill operation from vertical (standing upright) to horizontal (seated with feet moving forward and back). The belt operates in a horizontal plane rather than requiring the user to maintain vertical posture, fundamentally changing the dimensional requirements for exercise.
2Ease of operation
If standard treadmill belt length is used (4-5 ft), then walking/running is enabled, but it is too long for seated stepping exercise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of belt length from the standard 4-5 feet to a shortened 10-30 inches. This parameter change optimizes the belt for seated stepping exercise where users need to move their feet through a limited range of motion in front of them, rather than the longer distance required for standing walking or running.
3Device complexity
If front housing with handrails is included, then balance assistance is provided for standing users, but it adds structural complexity not needed for seated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the front housing and handrails from the treadmill structure. Since users are seated and do not need to maintain balance while standing, these components are unnecessary and their removal simplifies the overall device structure, reducing complexity while maintaining ease of operation for seated users.
4Area of stationary object
If treadmill is designed for standing use, then conventional exercise is enabled, but it requires dedicated exercise space that is impractical for workplace or home use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the treadmill into compact components with a shortened belt and eliminated front housing, allowing the device to fit in smaller spaces. The separated roller assembly and compact belt configuration enable the treadmill to be placed under desks or in confined areas, making it adaptable to workplace and home environments where dedicated exercise space is unavailable.
Data Source
AI summary
A seated treadmill has a structure with a front portion and a rear portion. A front roller is rotatably mounted on the front portion of the structure, a rear roller is rotatably mounted on the rear portion of the structure, and a belt circumscribes the front and rear rollers. The front and rear rollers are much closer together than prior art treadmills, typically about 10-30 inches. The treadmill may further include a remote control for controlling operation of the treadmill, and a shutoff switch in the event that too much force is placed upon the treadmill, such as if the user attempts to stand on the treadmill.