Treadmill Deck Elevation via Linkage and Torque Adjuster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treadmills do not effectively integrate aerobic exercises with weightlifting, limiting users' ability to perform simultaneous or separate lifting exercises with adjustable resistance using their own body weight.
Innovation Solution
A treadmill design featuring a frame with a pivotally connected deck, a torque adjuster that changes mechanical advantage between the handle and linkage, and a locking assembly allowing users to adjust the deck's elevation and resistance levels, enabling simultaneous aerobic and lifting exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional treadmills are used for aerobic exercise, then cardiovascular health is improved, but the ability to perform weightlifting exercises with adjustable resistance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines aerobic exercise functionality (treadmill deck for running/walking) with anaerobic weightlifting functionality (handle mechanism for resistance exercises) into a single integrated device. The deck can serve both as a running surface and as a weightlifting platform where users perform exercises like tricep extensions and chest presses using their body weight as resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed with multiple functions: it can be used for gripping during treadmill running, and it can also be positioned at different locations on the deck to perform various weightlifting exercises. The linkage mechanism allows the handle to move between fixed positions, enabling multiple exercise types with adjustable resistance levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the deck elevation is adjusted to enable lifting exercises, then resistance adjustment is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism connects the handle to the deck, allowing the handle to move between multiple fixed positions on the deck. This dynamic positioning system enables resistance adjustment by changing the mechanical advantage ratio between the user's body weight and the exercise resistance, without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple weight stacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own body weight as the resistance source, eliminating the need for external weight stacks, plates, or complex resistance mechanisms. The user's body weight automatically provides the resistance force, and the linkage mechanism simply translates this into adjustable exercise resistance through geometric relationships.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple exercise positions are added to the handle, then exercise variety is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deck surface is divided into multiple discrete fixed positions where the handle can be positioned for different exercises. Each position is a distinct location with specific geometric relationships to the linkage mechanism, allowing for standardized manufacturing of the deck and handle components while providing variety in exercise positions.
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
Enables users to perform a variety of exercises, including lifting, with adjustable resistance, enhancing workout versatility and user convenience by utilizing the user's body weight as resistance.
Implementation Method 1
A torque adjuster that changes the mechanical advantage between the handle and the linkage
Implementation Method 2
The linkage slots may be arranged in a generally linear arrangement. The torque adjuster that changes the mechanical advantage between the handle and the linkage
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine may include a frame, a base portion of the frame, a deck pivotally connected at a rear end, an upright structure of the frame, a handle movably attached to the frame, and a linkage connecting the handle to the first end of the deck. An elevation of the first end of the deck changes when the handle is moved.