Vertically Displaceable Treadmill Platform With Load-Rebound Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treadmills lack the ability to dynamically adjust their platform height in response to user load, leading to inefficient energy transfer and potential instability during exercise, and they do not provide real-time feedback on speed and platform displacement.
Innovation Solution
A treadmill with a vertically displaceable platform mechanism, featuring scissor arms and a resistance/rebound system that adjusts platform height based on user load, combined with a displacement-based lighting system and position-sensor-based speed control for enhanced user experience and performance monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the platform height is fixed in conventional treadmills, then the structure is simple and stable, but the energy transfer efficiency is poor and the system cannot adapt to dynamic user loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed platform into a vertically displaceable one. The platform is coupled with a resistance/rebound mechanism that allows it to dynamically adjust its vertical position in response to user load variations during exercise. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to changing user needs while maintaining structural stability through controlled motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a control system that receives input from load cells or force sensors measuring user applied forces. This feedback loop allows the resistance/rebound mechanism to automatically adjust platform displacement and belt speed in real-time, optimizing energy transfer efficiency and providing adaptive exercise resistance without requiring complex manual adjustments.
2Reliability
If the treadmill lacks dynamic belt tensioning, then the mechanism is simpler, but the belt tension becomes inconsistent during platform displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through an automatic belt tensioning mechanism that adjusts tension in response to platform displacement without external intervention. As the platform moves vertically during exercise, the tensioning mechanism automatically compensates for changes in belt geometry and loading conditions, maintaining consistent tension throughout the range of motion through mechanical or sensor-driven adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If real-time feedback systems are added, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with electronic sensing technology. Load cells or force sensors electronically measure user applied forces with high precision, and this data is processed by a microcontroller to provide real-time feedback on platform displacement and belt speed. This substitution of mechanical gauges with electronic sensors achieves superior measurement accuracy while keeping the overall system manageable through integrated control electronics.
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 provides a stable and responsive workout experience by dynamically adjusting platform height and speed, ensuring consistent belt tension and real-time feedback, thereby improving user engagement and accuracy in load measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a first scissor arm connected on a first end to the platform and connected on a second end to the base and a second scissor arm connected on a first end to the base and connected on a second end to the platform. Further, an intermediate portion of the first scissor arm is pivotally attached to an intermediate portion of the second scissor arm so that pivoting of the first and second scissor arms with respect to one another results in support of the platform at various vertical displacements
Implementation Method 2
a mechanism coupled to the platform and to a base of the treadmill to resist downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform and also to rebound the platform upward with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease in load applied to the platform
Data Source
AI summary
A treadmill has a base with a vertically displaceable platform. A mechanism is provided that resists the downward movement of the platform in response to a load applied to the platform. The mechanism also rebounds the platform upwardly with a force applied to the platform in response to a decrease of a load on the platform. A support structure enables stable vertical positioning of the platform with respect to the base.