Treadmill Sensor System for Anaerobic Exercise Tracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional treadmills lack integration of advanced sensors and feedback systems to accurately track and provide real-time data on anaerobic exercises, such as weight lifting and strength training, which are typically performed in conjunction with aerobic exercises, limiting the ability to monitor and adjust workout intensity and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electronic sensor system, including accelerometers, optical sensors, and vibration mechanisms, into the treadmill to measure and analyze user movements, track repetition counts, and provide feedback on exercise type and intensity, allowing for a hybrid aerobic and anaerobic workout experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional treadmills are used without advanced sensors and feedback systems, then the device complexity remains low, but the measurement precision and ability to track anaerobic exercise movements are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracy of exercise movementsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor types (accelerometers, optical sensors, vibration sensors) and integrates them with the treadmill's control system to create a unified measurement platform that can detect both aerobic and anaerobic exercise parameters simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting treadmill belt movement, monitoring user exercise movements, tracking repetition counts, and providing real-time feedback, thereby replacing multiple separate devices with one integrated system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If advanced sensor systems are integrated into the treadmill, then the measurement precision and workout monitoring capability improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkout type coverageVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to handle multiple exercise modes (aerobic running, anaerobic strength training, interval training) through a single integrated platform that processes data from various sensors and provides appropriate feedback for each workout type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms that analyze sensor data and provide immediate information to users about their exercise performance, enabling automatic adjustment of workout parameters and maintaining proper exercise form

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If real-time measurement and analysis of exercise movements are implemented, then the productivity and workout effectiveness improve, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkout efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system operates continuously during exercise sessions to provide uninterrupted monitoring and feedback, ensuring that workout parameters are constantly optimized without requiring periodic manual intervention that would interrupt the workout flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 precise monitoring and adjustment of workout parameters, enhancing user engagement, calorie burn, and muscle stimulation by integrating anaerobic exercises with aerobic activities, providing a comprehensive and dynamic fitness experience.

Implementation Method 1

an electronic sensor incorporated into the treadmill and configured to automatically produce measurement data in response to exercise movement performed by a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

Incorporating an electronic sensor system, including accelerometers, optical sensors, and vibration mechanisms, into the treadmill to measure and analyze user movements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS11779812B2Treadmill configured to automatically determine user exercise movement

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 IFIT INC

AI summary

Treadmill configured to automatically determine user exercise movement. In some embodiments, a treadmill may include a deck, a first pulley disposed in the deck, a second pulley disposed in the deck, a tread belt surrounding the first pulley and the second pulley, an electronic sensor incorporated into the treadmill and configured to automatically produce measurement data in response to exercise movement performed by a user over the deck, an electronic console including an electronic display, a processor, and a memory. The memory may include programmed instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to automatically analyze the measurement data produced by the electronic sensor to automatically determine a characteristic of the exercise movement performed by the user over the deck, and automatically present, on the electronic display, an indication of the characteristic of the exercise movement performed by the user over the deck.