Telescoping Lead Screw Incline Mechanism for Compact Treadmills
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise device lift motors are often too large and aesthetically unappealing due to their size, failing to accommodate compact design requirements while providing sufficient lifting force for inclined exercise devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact telescoping extension device using a lead cylinder and lead screws with threaded bores, allowing for relative rotation and linear movement to adjust the incline of exercise devices like treadmills, enabling a range of motion from -5% to 30% grade without increasing the device's height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional lift motor is used to provide sufficient lifting force, then the lifting capability is adequate, but the device size becomes too large and aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a telescoping extension device where multiple lead screws are nested within each other inside a lead cylinder. The first lead screw is disposed within the lead cylinder, and the second lead screw is disposed within the first lead screw, creating a compact nested structure that provides sufficient lifting force while maintaining a small device footprint that fits under the treadbase.
2Volume of moving object
If the device height is kept compact, then the aesthetic profile is improved, but the range of motion for incline adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lifting mechanism into multiple segmented telescoping members (lead cylinder, first lead screw, second lead screw) that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the device to achieve a large range of motion (-5% to 30% grade) when extended, while maintaining a compact profile when retracted, thus resolving the contradiction between compact height and range of motion.
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 solution provides a compact, aesthetically pleasing mechanism that fits under the treadbase, allowing for significant incline and decline without elevating the treadbase, offering a wide range of motion with a compact profile.
Implementation Method 1
A telescoping extension device may include a lead cylinder having a bore extending at least partially therethrough. At least a portion of the bore is threaded. A first lead screw may be disposed at least partially within the bore of the lead cylinder. At least a portion of an outer surface of the first lead screw has threads that engage the threads within the bore of the lead cylinder. Relative rotation between the lead cylinder and the first lead screw causes the first lead screw to move further into or out of the bore of the lead cylinder.
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping extension device includes a lead cylinder having a bore extending at least partially therethrough with at least a portion of the bore being threaded and a first lead screw disposed at least partially within the bore of the lead cylinder with at least a portion of an outer surface of the first lead screw having threads that engage the threads within the bore of the lead cylinder. A second lead screw is disposed at least partially within the bore of the first lead screw with at least a portion of an outer surface of the second lead screw having threads that engage the threads within the bore of the first lead screw.