Vertically Displaceable Treadmill Platform With Dynamic Resistance Rebound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treadmills lack an effective mechanism to dynamically adjust resistance and rebound forces in response to user load, which can lead to inefficient workouts and inaccurate force measurements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a resistance/rebound mechanism with a vertical displacement apparatus, including scissor arms and linear actuators, that resist downward movement and rebound upwardly, coupled with a displacement-based lighting system and position-sensor-based speed control, to provide dynamic resistance and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional treadmill platform is made heavy and stiff to minimize vibration and maximize durability, then structural stability is improved, but inertial effects increase and the platform becomes less responsive to user input
Solution Approach 1:
The platform utilizes composite construction combining aluminum extrusions with carbon fiber reinforcement and foam core. This composite structure achieves high stiffness-to-weight ratio, providing platform stability while minimizing weight and inertial effects. The carbon fiber layers provide structural rigidity without the mass penalty of solid aluminum construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is constructed from segmented aluminum extrusions joined together with reinforced connections. This segmentation allows for optimized local structures that provide stiffness where needed while reducing overall weight. The modular construction enables precise placement of reinforcement elements without adding unnecessary mass throughout the entire platform.
2Productivity
If a resistance/rebound mechanism is added to dynamically adjust platform forces, then workout efficiency and measurement accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance/rebound mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides variable resistance during downward platform movement, delivers rebound force during upward movement, and enables accurate force measurement through integrated sensors. This multi-functionality achieves workout efficiency improvements without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance mechanism, rebound mechanism, and measurement system are merged into an integrated assembly mounted beneath the platform. By combining these functions into a single structural unit rather than separate components, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the beneficial effects of dynamic resistance and rebound control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If scissor arm mechanisms are used to enable vertical platform displacement, then adaptability to user load is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor arm mechanisms provide dynamic vertical displacement of the platform in response to user load variations. The articulated scissor structure allows the platform height to adjust automatically during exercise, improving adaptability to different user weights and exercise intensities while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical design.
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
This solution allows for precise control of resistance and rebound forces, enhancing workout efficiency and accuracy of force measurements, while minimizing inertial effects and maintaining a lightweight, stiff platform.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance/rebound mechanism coupled to the base and to the platform and capable of providing displacement resistance in a first direction and rebound responsiveness in an opposite second direction
Implementation Method 2
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
Implementation Method 3
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
Data Source
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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.