Treadmill Rolling Base for Multi-Directional Pivoting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual sports systems on treadmills lack the ability to provide a dynamic and immersive experience, particularly in simulating the movements and terrain of board sports like snowboarding and skiing, as they do not effectively replicate the pivoting and tilting motions essential to these activities.
Innovation Solution
A rolling base for treadmills equipped with multiple ball bearing assemblies and lower ball bearing assemblies that allow for multi-directional pivoting and tilting, integrated with sports footwear or boards, and compatible with treadmill controls to adjust speed, elevation, and surface features in sync with graphical simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stationary base is used on a treadmill, then the structure is simple and stable, but the ability to pivot and tilt in multiple directions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into multiple ball bearing assemblies (first ball bearing assemblies and lower ball bearing assemblies) that are spatially distributed. Each assembly acts as an independent pivot point, enabling multi-directional rotation while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The segmentation allows the base to achieve complex motion capabilities through coordinated movement of simple individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower ball bearing assemblies extend downward from the plane defined by the first ball bearing assemblies, adding a vertical dimension to the pivot mechanism. This three-dimensional arrangement of bearing assemblies enables rotation around multiple axes, transforming a two-dimensional flat base into a three-dimensional multi-axis pivot system.
2Reliability
If multiple ball bearing assemblies are added to enable pivoting, then the simulation realism improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each ball bearing assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a pivot point for rotation, a bearing for reducing friction, and a structural support element. The lower ball bearing assemblies specifically enable both vertical pivoting and lateral tilting motions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby improving simulation fidelity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lower ball bearing assemblies extend downward below the plane of first ball bearing assemblies, then multi-axis rotation is enabled, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearing assemblies are designed as pre-fabricated modular units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the base structure. The lower ball bearing assemblies are positioned at predetermined locations below the plane of the first ball bearing assemblies, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes and simplified assembly procedures. This modular approach reduces manufacturing complexity compared to creating a custom-integrated multi-axis pivot system.
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 a more immersive and realistic simulation of sports activities by allowing users to experience the movements and terrain of board sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, through dynamic pivoting and tilting motions, enhancing user engagement and simulation fidelity.
Implementation Method 1
The rolling base comprises three or more first ball bearing assemblies, each of the three or more first ball bearing assemblies comprising a ball and a mounting assembly and one or more lower ball bearing assemblies, each of the one or more lower ball bearing assemblies comprising a ball and a mounting assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A base and method of using a base on a treadmill in which the base comprises three or more first ball bearing assemblies, each ball bearing assembly comprising a ball and a mounting assembly, the base also comprising one or more lower ball bearing assemblies, each lower ball bearing assembly comprising a lower ball and a lower mounting assembly, wherein each lower ball bearing assembly projects down from a plane defined by three or more of the ball bearing assemblies. A base may be attachable to or integrated into a piece of sports footwear or a board of a board sport. A user standing on footwear or a board with one or more bases may rock in one or more direction on the sports footwear to produce a leaning effect wherein one or more lower ball bearing assemblies and two or more ball bearing assemblies contact the ground.