Treadmill Deck Adjustment Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treadmills lack the ability to dynamically adjust their incline and lateral tilt angles to simulate varied terrain, limiting the realism and effectiveness of workouts.
Innovation Solution
The treadmill incorporates a multi-dimensional input mechanism, such as a touch screen or joystick, that allows users to control the tilt orientation of the exercise deck, which is achieved through a system of linear actuators and a processor interpreting these inputs to adjust the deck's angle and tilt in real-time, mimicking the inclines and slopes of simulated routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional treadmills use fixed incline and lateral tilt angles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to simulate varied terrain is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The treadmill deck transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing independent adjustment of incline angle and lateral tilt angle. This enables the deck to simulate varied terrain conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through modular actuator design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds lateral tilt adjustment as a new dimension of movement beyond traditional incline adjustment. This multi-dimensional capability allows the treadmill to simulate complex terrain features like side slopes and uneven surfaces, significantly enhancing adaptability without overwhelming complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the treadmill incorporates multiple tilt actuators for dynamic adjustment, then the adaptability to simulate terrain is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt adjustment system is segmented into multiple independent actuators, each responsible for a specific degree of freedom (incline, lateral tilt). This modular approach allows for precise control of complex movements while keeping individual actuator designs simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to manage multiple actuators through a unified interface, allowing a single control mechanism to coordinate complex multi-axis tilt adjustments. This multi-functional control approach simplifies the user interface while handling the underlying complexity of multiple actuators.
Data Source
AI summary
A treadmill includes an exercise deck. The exercise deck includes a platform, a first pulley incorporated into the platform at a front end, a second pulley incorporated into the platform at a rear end, a tread belt surrounding the first pulley and the second pulley, and a plurality of tilt actuators incorporated into the platform. The treadmill also includes an upright structure. The upright structure includes a console, a tilt controller incorporated into the console in communication with the plurality of tilt actuators, and the tilt controller having a multi-dimensional input mechanism.