Treadmill Belt Running Phase Detection via Motor Current Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining running phases, such as overstride, on a treadmill are invasive, imprecise, and require multiple electronic devices, which can be annoying and prone to errors due to movement and impact.
Innovation Solution
A method implemented in a treadmill that uses a data processing unit connected to an electric motor to determine running phases by analyzing the periodic trend of the first absorption electric current or instantaneous rotation speed of the motor, allowing for accurate and non-invasive monitoring of running phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wearable electronic devices with inertial measurement units are used to detect running phases, then measurement capability is provided, but user comfort and measurement reliability deteriorate due to device movement, impact, and potential falling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the treadmill belt as an intermediary carrier for the inertial measurement unit. Instead of wearing the device directly on the body, the IMU is placed on the treadmill belt, which remains stationary relative to the treadmill frame during operation. This intermediary position eliminates the problems of device movement and impact that occur when worn on the body, while still allowing accurate detection of running phases through the belt's interaction with the user's footstrikes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the treadmill belt as a stable copy or surrogate for body-mounted sensing. The belt captures the same running phase information that would be obtained from body-mounted sensors, but in a more reliable manner. The belt's periodic motion and interaction with footstrikes create a measurable signal that replicates the information needed for running phase detection without the drawbacks of wearable devices
2Measurement precision
If multiple electronic devices are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement completeness improves, but device complexity and user annoyance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the treadmill belt multi-functional by using it both as the exercise surface and as the carrier for the inertial measurement unit. This single element performs dual functions: supporting the user during exercise and carrying the sensing device for running phase detection. This eliminates the need for separate wearable devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the treadmill belt with the inertial measurement unit into a single integrated sensing system. The IMU is positioned on the belt, combining the exercise equipment with the measurement device. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate electronic devices and reduces user burden while achieving complete running phase measurement
3Loss of information
If inertial parameters are detected to determine running phases, then running phase information is obtained, but indirect measurement reduces precision and significance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect inertial parameter detection with direct mechanical interaction detection. Instead of measuring acceleration and angle data that require complex processing to infer running phases, the system directly detects the mechanical interaction between the user's footstrikes and the treadmill belt. This direct detection method provides more precise and significant running phase information by measuring the actual contact events rather than inferring them from indirect parameters
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
This method provides accurate and prompt feedback on running phases without the need for wearable electronic devices, allowing users to correct their running technique and improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor adapted to drive the physical exercise surface into rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (500) for determining running phases of a user (U) on a treadmill. The treadmill 100 comprises a base extending along a longitudinal axis. The base comprising: a first rotating element and a second rotating element adapted to rotate about respective rotational axes transversal to the longitudinal axis of the base; a physical exercise surface operatively connected to the first rotating element and to the second rotating element; an electric motor operatively associated with at least one of said first rotating element and second rotating element, the electric motor being configured to make the first rotating element and the second rotating element rotate, also driving the physical exercise surface into rotation; a data processing unit operatively connected to the electric motor, the data processing unit being configured to control said electric motor. The method (500) comprising steps of: - (a) determining (501), by the data processing unit, a magnitude variable over time correlated to the interaction of the user with the physical exercise surface while performing the physical activity, the magnitude variable over time having a substantially periodic trend; - (b) determining (502), by the data processing unit, respective time instants of at least two points among a plurality of points of the periodic trend of the magnitude variable over time, the respective time instants of each point of said plurality of points being representative of the instants of the interaction of the user with the physical exercise surface of the treadmill while running; - (c) determining (503), by the data processing unit, at least one running phase of the user on the physical exercise surface of the treadmill as a function of the respective time instants of said at least two points determined from the plurality of points of the periodic trend of the magnitude variable over time.