Treadmill Slat Truss Structure Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slats in treadmills are prone to excessive bending or damage due to the load of users, as they lack sufficient structural support to absorb shock effectively.
Innovation Solution
A slat with a truss structure featuring a chord member and diagonal members that distribute the load applied to the stepping part, forming a triangular truss structure to minimize bending and prevent damage, with the truss part being narrower than the main body to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the slat uses a simple track belt structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength and shock absorption capability are insufficient causing excessive bending or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The slat is divided into multiple functional segments: a stepping part for user contact, coupling parts for attachment to track belts, and a truss part for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing the necessary strength without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The chord member part is formed with a curved surface that is convex in a direction away from the stepping part. This curvature distributes applied loads more effectively across the truss structure, enhancing strength and shock absorption capability while maintaining structural efficiency.
2Strength
If the slat increases its thickness to prevent bending, then the strength is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the structural support function into a dedicated truss part rather than increasing the bulk of the stepping part, the design achieves high bending resistance without requiring excessive material thickness in the visible stepping area, thereby controlling production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing thickness in the vertical dimension, the design adds structural support in the horizontal dimension through the truss part extending from the stepping part. This dimensional approach provides strength while maintaining a sleek appearance and controlling material usage.
3Strength
If the truss part width is increased to improve load distribution, then the strength is improved, but the risk of interference between adjacent slats increases
Solution Approach 1:
The truss part is designed with localized structural elements (chord member and diagonal members) positioned strategically to provide sufficient load distribution capability only where needed, rather than increasing the overall width uniformly. This localized approach maintains strength while minimizing interference with adjacent slats.
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 truss structure effectively distributes the user's load, minimizing bending and preventing damage to the slat, while allowing for reduced thickness of the stepping part to lower production costs and enhance performance.
Implementation Method 1
tensile force is applied to a chord member part
Implementation Method 2
compressive force is applied to first diagonal members and second diagonal members
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a slat having a truss structure, the slat including: a main body provided with a stepping part which receives the load of a user, and a coupling part which is formed on both sides of the stepping part and may be fixed to a track belt; and a truss part connected to the stepping part so as to distribute the load applied to the main body. Thus, since the load applied to the stepping part is distributed by a diagonal member part and a chord member part of the truss part, the bending of the main body caused by the load is minimized, and thus damage to the main body caused by the load may be prevented.