Treadmill Drive Motor Current Analysis for Automatic Weight Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treadmill systems require users to manually input their weight, which is cumbersome, time-consuming, and can lead to inaccurate results, and may be embarrassing in public settings, prompting users to input incorrect weights to avoid disclosure.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where the treadmill's drive motor measures the electric current used to drive the treadbelt while the user is walking, analyzing this current to determine the user's weight using lookup tables or mathematical functions, and calculating calorie expenditure without requiring manual weight input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the treadmill requires users to manually input their weight, then the system can obtain weight data for calorie calculation, but this process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The treadmill system automatically measures user weight through the drive motor's current consumption without requiring user intervention. The microprocessor monitors the electrical current drawn by the drive motor during treadmill operation, and this current data is processed to determine user weight automatically, eliminating the need for manual weight input while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical input method (user typing weight on console) with an electrical measurement system. The drive motor's electrical current characteristics are analyzed to infer user weight, substituting a passive manual entry system with an active automated electrical sensing and processing system
2Measurement precision
If the treadmill requires users to manually input their weight, then the system can obtain weight data, but users may intentionally input inaccurate weights to avoid disclosure in public settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement of user weight through automated electrical current monitoring by the drive motor, eliminating the need for users to voluntarily disclose or input their weight. This automated measurement approach ensures data authenticity as users cannot manipulate the readings, and the microprocessor automatically processes the current data to determine accurate weight values
Solution Approach 2:
The drive motor's electrical current serves as an intermediary measurement parameter that indirectly reveals user weight without requiring direct user disclosure. By measuring the electrical load on the drive motor during operation, the system obtains weight information through a neutral intermediate measurement that bypasses the social pressure and privacy concerns associated with manual weight entry
3Extent of automation
If the treadmill uses drive motor current to determine user weight, then automatic weight measurement is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive motor serves multiple functions: it propels the treadmill belt and simultaneously acts as a sensing element for weight measurement through its electrical current consumption. The microprocessor leverages existing operational data (current measurements already taken for motor control) to derive weight information, avoiding the need for separate dedicated measurement hardware and minimizing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical current serves as a dual-purpose intermediary: it controls the drive motor operation and simultaneously provides the measurement signal for weight determination. This intermediary measurement approach allows the system to extract weight information from existing operational parameters without requiring additional sensors or complex measurement apparatus
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 accurate and reliable weight determination and calorie calculation without user input, improving user convenience and reducing embarrassment in public settings.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an electric current utilized by the drive motor, and analyzing the measured electric current to determine the weight of the person positioned on the treadbelt
Data Source
AI summary
A treadmill may comprise a drive motor positioned and configured to drive a treadbelt, and an electrical current sensor configured to measure the electrical current utilized by the drive motor. The treadmill may also include a computer programmed and configured to analyze the measured electrical current usage by the drive motor to determine the weight of a person positioned on the treadbelt. A person's weight may be determined by driving the treadbelt with the drive motor while a person is positioned on the treadbelt, measuring an electric current utilized by the drive motor, and analyzing the measured electric current to determine the weight of the person positioned on the treadbelt of the treadmill. Additionally, the measured weight may be utilized to calculate calorie expenditure.