Treadmill Lighting System for Safety and User Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorized and manual treadmills do not effectively prevent unauthorized use, alert nearby individuals to moving treads, or convey user information effectively, posing safety and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A treadmill with a lighting system integrated into the slats, powered by a contactor contacting a power rail, and controlled by a controller to emit light, convey biometric data, and alert users and observers, along with a braking system and locking mechanism to manage user presence and authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a treadmill tread continues to move after the user has stepped off, then the treadmill maintains operational readiness for the next user, but it creates safety hazards by making it difficult for users to re-engage and by posing risks to nearby individuals who may step onto the moving tread
Solution Approach 1:
The treadmill applies a braking force to the moving tread to slow it down and bring it to a stop when no user is detected on the tread. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of the tread continuing to move freely, which could cause safety hazards to users attempting to re-engage or to nearby individuals who might accidentally step onto it.
Solution Approach 2:
The treadmill uses sensors to detect the presence or absence of a user on the tread and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically engages the brake when no user is detected, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that responds to real-time conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the treadmill allows unauthorized users such as children or animals to step onto the tread, then the treadmill remains accessible and easy to use, but it creates safety risks and potential damage from improper use
Solution Approach 1:
The treadmill requires users to scan a QR code or receive a text message with a unique code before use, which activates the treadmill and provides instructions. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized users can operate the equipment, preventing unauthorized users such as children or animals from accessing it while maintaining ease of use for legitimate users through a simple mobile-based authentication process.
3Loss of information
If the treadmill uses a display screen to convey information to users, then information can be presented, but it is ineffective at relaying information to users or observers while the treadmill is in motion
Solution Approach 1:
The treadmill replaces the static display screen with a dynamic lighting system embedded in the tread slats that can display information through light patterns, colors, and sequences. This substitution allows information to be effectively communicated to users during motion, as the lighting system can provide visual feedback that is immediately apparent and can be perceived from different angles and distances, overcoming the limitations of a traditional display screen.
4Device complexity
If the treadmill does not provide an alert to nearby individuals that the tread is moving, then the treadmill remains simple and unobtrusive, but it creates safety hazards by failing to warn observers of the moving tread
Solution Approach 1:
The treadmill uses color-changing LED lights embedded in the tread slats to communicate the operational status of the treadmill. Different colors indicate different states (e.g., green for ready, yellow for in use, red for stopping), providing clear visual alerts to nearby individuals about the moving tread. This approach adds minimal complexity while effectively addressing safety concerns through intuitive color-coded signaling.
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 solution enhances safety by preventing unauthorized use and alerting others to moving treads, while providing effective communication of user data and performance metrics.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting system comprises a light positioned on at least one slat, wherein the light is configured to emit light in or through adjacent slats
Implementation Method 2
A contactor is positioned on the slat such that each contactor contacts the power rail while the tread rotates, the contactor configured to supply power to the light when in contact with the power rail
Implementation Method 3
Optionally, the biometric sensor is an infrared temperature sensor that reads a body temperature of the user without contact
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting system is described for a treadmill, the treadmill including a tread that rotates around a front axle and a rear axle, wherein the tread comprises slats each having a tread surface and an underside. The lighting system includes a light positioned on at least one slat, wherein the light is configured to emit light in or through adjacent slats and a controller in communication with the light and configured to control the light.