Seated Treadmill Layout for Balance-Free Exercise in Small Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional treadmills require users to have sufficient balance and a dedicated space for exercise, excluding individuals with disabilities, physical rehabilitation needs, the elderly, and those in workplace settings from effective cardiovascular workouts.
Innovation Solution
A seated treadmill design with separated front and rear rollers, a short belt length of 10-30 inches, and a remote control, featuring a belt with increased elasticity and thickness for comfort, and a force sensor to prevent standing use, allowing for seated stepping and eliminating a front housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional treadmills are used, then cardiovascular exercise is provided, but users require sufficient balance and dedicated space which excludes disabled, elderly, and workplace users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional treadmill usage by allowing seated operation instead of standing. The treadmill is designed to be used while seated on a chair or couch, eliminating the need for users to support their body weight and maintain balance during exercise. This inversion makes the equipment accessible to disabled individuals, the elderly, and those in workplace settings where standing exercise is not feasible.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional treadmills are used, then cardiovascular exercise is provided, but dedicated exercise space is required which is impractical for workplace and home settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the treadmill into a compact configuration with a short belt length (10-30 inches) and eliminates the traditional front housing structure. This segmentation allows the treadmill to be used in small spaces such as workplaces, home offices, and living rooms without requiring a dedicated exercise area. The separated front and rear rollers with short spacing enable the equipment to fit in confined spaces while still providing effective cardiovascular exercise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seated treadmill design with short belt length is used, then accessibility is improved, but belt elasticity and thickness must be increased for comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the belt by increasing its elasticity and thickness compared to traditional treadmills. The belt is designed with enhanced elastic properties to accommodate the seated stepping motion and provide comfort to users with limited mobility. The increased thickness and elasticity allow the belt to better absorb and distribute forces during seated exercise, making the equipment suitable for disabled and elderly users who require greater comfort and support.
4Reliability
If force sensor and remote control are added, then safety and control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a force sensor that provides feedback to detect whether the user is properly seated during operation. The sensor monitors the force applied to the treadmill and can identify when a user attempts to stand on the belt, at which point the system can issue warnings or shut down to prevent injury. This feedback mechanism enhances safety by ensuring proper usage while the remote control allows users to adjust speed and other parameters without reaching for buttons on the treadmill itself, making operation easier for users with limited mobility.
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.