Treadmill Removable Handle Shape Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treadmills face limitations in ease of assembly, reliability of handle coupling, and space reduction during storage or transport, particularly for foldable models, due to hinge coupling issues and the need for skilled maintenance for curved handles.
Innovation Solution
A treadmill design featuring removable handles connected to uprights via rapid lock/release elements and a shape coupling mechanism, allowing manual and tool-free operation, with a foldable structure that reduces dimensions during storage and transport, and a lock/release mechanism for secure handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If handles are rigidly coupled to uprights using traditional hinge coupling, then structural stability is improved, but assembly complexity and maintenance difficulty increase due to requiring skilled technicians for curved handles
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is segmented into separable components: the handle body and the upright connection interface. This allows the handle to be detached and reattached without requiring skilled technicians, while maintaining structural stability when connected through the shaped coupling mechanism with locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
A shaped coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the handle and upright. This intermediary component features a specific geometry that receives and secures the handle, eliminating the need for complex hinge couplings or skilled assembly while ensuring stable structural connection.
2Ease of operation
If handles are made removable for easy assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of handle coupling deteriorates due to potential clearance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical hinge coupling system is replaced with a shaped coupling mechanism that uses geometric interlocking and locking elements. This substitution eliminates clearance issues while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly through tool-free operation of the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed to preemptively eliminate clearance and play in the coupling interface. By incorporating this clearance-compensating design beforehand in the shaped coupling geometry, the system ensures reliable connection without requiring tight tolerances or complex adjustment procedures.
3Strength
If traditional hinge coupling is used for handle attachment, then coupling strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling strength function and the structural connection function are merged into a single shaped coupling mechanism. This integrated design provides both strong mechanical connection and ease of assembly through the unified geometry, eliminating the need for separate hinge components, fasteners, and adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaped coupling mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection, ensures coupling strength through geometric interlocking, enables easy assembly and disassembly via locking elements, and maintains alignment through its specific geometry. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining coupling strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a treadmill (1) comprising a frame (2) having uprights (3) for supporting a control panel (5) equipped with a user interface; a belt (4) trained around rotatable rollers, defining a treadable surface (4a); a motor connected to at least one of the rollers for moving the belt (4); at least one handle (7) connected to a corresponding upright (3) and having a grip portion (7a) which can be accessed by the user, wherein the treadmill (1) comprises a shape coupling between the handle (7) and the upright (3) and a lock / release mechanism (16) for manually coupling and uncoupling the handle (7) with respect to the upright (3).