Treadmill Laser Distance Sensor Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treadmill control systems lack the accuracy and reliability in measuring user position and movement, particularly in detecting emergency situations, due to limitations in sensor technology such as ultrasonic and pressure sensors, which require multiple sensors and are sensitive to noise and calibration requirements.
Innovation Solution
A control system incorporating a laser distance sensor with one-dimensional or two-dimensional scanning capabilities, allowing for precise measurement of user distance and movement using a laser beam, providing enhanced resolution and noise resistance, and enabling 1D, 2D, or 3D measurements to determine user position and emergency situations without calibration or maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used for distance measurement, then the system can measure user position, but the measurement precision is limited to several centimeters and the system is sensitive to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic sensors with a laser distance sensor that uses optical measurement instead of acoustic measurement. The laser sensor measures distance by detecting the phase shift of reflected laser light, achieving millimeter-level precision and immunity to acoustic noise, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and noise sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from ultrasonic wave phase to laser light phase. By using optical frequency instead of acoustic frequency, the system achieves higher measurement precision and eliminates sensitivity to acoustic noise, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used beneath the running surface, then the system can detect user position, but multiple sensors are required and the system cannot directly measure body position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the treadmill structure by placing a laser distance sensor on the console that measures the user's body position directly in space, rather than inferring position from pressure distribution beneath the running surface. This single external sensor replaces multiple embedded pressure sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary measurement medium that directly connects the sensor to the user's body. The laser distance sensor measures the distance to the user's body (e.g., back or buttocks) through the laser beam, providing direct body position measurement without requiring contact sensors beneath the running surface.
3Measurement precision
If optical position sensors and infrared sensors are used, then the system can measure position, but calibration is required and the system is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical position sensors and infrared sensor systems with a single laser distance sensor that directly measures distance through phase detection. This simplifies the system architecture while maintaining or improving measurement precision, eliminating the need for complex calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser distance sensor performs multiple functions: it measures both distance and speed simultaneously, and can detect various body positions (back, buttocks, feet) depending on configuration. This single multi-functional sensor replaces multiple specialized sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement capabilities.
4Reliability
If a safety rope with mechanical clamp is used, then emergency braking can be activated, but the system lacks precision in detecting emergency situations and requires mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical safety systems (safety ropes, clamps, and switches) with an optical measurement system. The laser distance sensor continuously monitors user position and speed, and the control unit automatically triggers emergency braking when abnormal conditions are detected, eliminating mechanical safety components while improving detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback control by constantly monitoring user position and speed through the laser distance sensor. The control unit compares real-time measurements with expected values and automatically activates emergency braking when deviations indicate dangerous situations, providing precise and rapid emergency detection without mechanical safety ropes.
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
The system achieves significantly improved measurement accuracy, faster response times in emergency situations, and adaptive speed control, ensuring user safety by providing precise distance and speed data, and is cost-effective and easy to integrate, with the ability to detect emergencies and adjust treadmill speed accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
the laser distance sensor is designed for phase position measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a treadmill including a control unit and a laser distance sensor, the laser distance sensor being configured to determine the distance and/or the movement of a user relative to the laser distance sensor with the aid of a laser beam, the control unit being configured to control a movement of the treadmill as a function of measuring data of the laser distance sensor. A treadmill including such a control system is also described.