Soft Walking Board Assembly with Thermal Conducting Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treadmills face issues with high temperature generation due to friction, wear and tear of the walking belt and walking board, and inadequate shock absorption, leading to reduced lifespan and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A treadmill with a multi-functional soft walking board assembly comprising a support plate, a shock-absorbing layer, a wear-resistant layer, and thermal conducting strips made of materials like ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or Nylon, and copper or aluminum foil, which dissipate heat and provide cushioning and shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a soft layer with larger thickness is added on the walking board, then the cushioning and shock-absorbing effect is improved, but the resistance from the soft layer causes a heavy burden to the user's feet
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing layer has different thicknesses at different positions: the front end (heel strike area) has a thickness of 3mm to 6mm for better shock absorption, while the rear end has a thickness of 1mm to 3mm to reduce resistance. This non-uniform thickness distribution allows the board to provide cushioning where needed while minimizing burden during the push-off phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The top face of the shock-absorbing layer is formed with a downward sloping plane extending from the front end to the rear end, creating a dynamic surface that facilitates foot movement. The sloping structure allows the foot to glide more easily during the gait cycle, reducing the resistance force while maintaining shock absorption capabilities.
2Productivity
If the walking belt and walking board are used for long-term utilization, then the treadmill operates continuously, but high temperature is generated due to high-speed friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful friction heat into a beneficial function by incorporating a heating element that intentionally generates heat to melt the wear-resistant layer's surface. This controlled heating creates a lubricating effect that reduces friction and prevents excessive temperature buildup during continuous operation, transforming the harmful thermal effect into a protective mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The wear-resistant layer is made of a material with specific melting characteristics that change its surface properties under heat. When heated to a certain temperature, the material's surface softens and becomes more compliant, reducing friction coefficients and allowing smoother belt movement, thereby managing temperature effects rather than simply resisting them.
3Force
If lubricating oil or wax is sprayed on the surface layer to reduce friction, then the walking belt moves smoothly, but the user needs to replenish the lubricating oil or wax periodically
Solution Approach 1:
The wear-resistant layer is designed to be self-lubricating through its material properties. The material naturally reduces friction without requiring external lubricants, and the heating element periodically activates to melt the surface and renew its lubricating properties. This eliminates the need for user intervention to replenish lubricating oil or wax, making the system self-maintaining.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element acts as an intermediary that periodically activates to melt the wear-resistant layer's surface, creating a temporary lubricating film. This controlled thermal intervention replaces the need for continuous lubricant application, automating the lubrication process and eliminating manual maintenance requirements.
4Productivity
If the walking belt and walking board are subjected to frequent friction, then the treadmill operates continuously, but the walking belt and walking board are worn out rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The walking board uses a composite structure with a shock-absorbing layer made of elastic material (such as rubber or foam) and a wear-resistant layer made of heat-resistant material (such as PTFE or ceramic-coated polymer). This composite construction provides both cushioning and high friction resistance, enabling continuous operation without rapid wear. The layered composite structure allows each material to perform its specialized function, extending the overall system lifetime.
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 assembly effectively dissipates heat, reduces wear, and provides optimal shock absorption, enhancing the durability and user comfort of the treadmill.
Implementation Method 1
at least two thermal conducting strips... which dissipate heat
Implementation Method 2
The shock-absorbing layer has a soft feature... provides cushioning and shock absorption
Implementation Method 3
The shock-absorbing layer has a soft feature
Data Source
AI summary
A treadmill includes two side frames, a walking board assembly, and a walking belt. The walking board assembly includes a support plate, a shock-absorbing layer, a wear-resistant layer, and at least two thermal conducting strips. The shock-absorbing layer has a bottom face abutting a top face of the support plate and a top face formed with a downward sloping plane extending longitudinally from the front end to the rear end thereof. The wear-resistant layer has a bottom face abutting the top face of the shock-absorbing layer and the top face of the support plate. The thermal conducting strips abut the shock-absorbing layer. Each of the thermal conducting strips has a front end and a rear end abutting the top face of the support plate. Thus, the wear-resistant layer completely covers the thermal conducting strips and the shock-absorbing layer on the support plate.