Treadmill Deck Locking and Lift Assistance Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise treadmills require cumbersome mechanisms for transitioning between operating and storage positions, lacking efficient lock and lift assistance systems that enhance user experience and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A treadmill with a lock mechanism comprising an inner and outer tube system, actuated by a cable and actuator member, allowing for secure positioning in both operating and storage configurations, and a lift assistance mechanism using a pressurized lift cylinder to facilitate easy conversion between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a deck assembly is made pivotally connected to allow folding between horizontal and upright positions, then floor space utilization is improved, but the mechanism complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism employs nested tubes where an inner tube is received within an outer tube. The inner tube can slide axially within the outer tube to engage or disengage locking features, creating a compact nested structure that reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the folding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable acts as an intermediary element connecting the actuator member to the lock mechanism. When the actuator member moves, it tensions the cable which then transmits force to move the inner tube axially, enabling remote actuation of the locking mechanism without direct mechanical connection.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to secure the deck assembly in upright position, then reliability of storage positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism uses nested tubes with locking features formed directly on the tube surfaces. The inner tube has external locking features that engage with internal locking features of the outer tube, creating a reliable lock without requiring separate locking components, thus maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is self-actuating through the cable-tension system. When the actuator member is moved, the cable tension automatically drives the inner tube to engage or disengage the locking features, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If a lift assistance mechanism is implemented to reduce effort for position changes, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable serves as a mechanical intermediary that transmits the actuating force from the actuator member to the lock mechanism. This simple cable-mediated system provides mechanical advantage without requiring motors, hydraulics, or electronics, maintaining operational simplicity while reducing lifting effort.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple engagement features are provided on the inner tube for different positions, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features are formed as integral parts of the nested tube structure. The inner tube has external engagement features that naturally align with internal features of the outer tube through the nesting relationship, reducing the need for high-precision separate component alignment and simplifying manufacturing.
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 seamless adjustment of the treadmill's incline during use and efficient storage by providing a secure locking system and reducing the effort required for position changes, thus enhancing user convenience and space management.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member disposed within the housing between the engagement member and the cap, the biasing member biased to extend the engagement member from the housing
Implementation Method 2
a lift assistance mechanism using a pressurized lift cylinder to facilitate easy conversion between positions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A treadmill may include a lock mechanism operative to selectively lock a deck assembly in one or more positions relative to a base frame. The lock mechanism may include an engagement member that locks the deck assembly in an operating position while allowing incline adjustment of the deck assembly relative to the frame during use of the treadmill. Additionally or alternatively, the treadmill may include a lift assistance mechanism operative to assist movement of a deck assembly between one or more positions relative to a base frame. A portion of the lift assistance mechanism may translate along a length dimension of the treadmill when inclining the deck assembly. The lift assistance mechanism may assist a user in moving the deck assembly into a storage position and may also assist a deck assembly lift motor in inclining the deck assembly.