Treadmill Worksurface Assembly With Front-Edge Controls and Handrail Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treadmill workstations have inaccessible control buttons, obstructed handrails, distracting output displays, require dedicated components, and are not ergonomically suitable for prolonged use, leading to reduced user stability and efficiency in combining exercise with work activities.
Innovation Solution
A treadmill workstation design with easily accessible control buttons mounted adjacent to the table top, a handle along the front edge for stability and wrist rest, a narrow tread for central positioning, and a transformable table assembly for use with or without the treadmill, allowing for efficient walking and minimizing distractions during work tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a table top member is positioned above the hand rails to provide a work surface, then the work surface is provided, but access to the hand rails is blocked or severely impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The table top member is divided into a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion positioned to block hand rail access and the second portion positioned to provide adequate hand rail access. This segmentation allows the work surface to be divided into different functional zones, with some areas providing hand rail access and others providing work surface area.
2Area of stationary object
If control buttons and input/output assembly are positioned above the table top surface, then the work surface area is maximized, but the control buttons become difficult to reach and the input/output assembly becomes difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The control buttons and input/output assembly are repositioned from a vertical position above the table top to a horizontal position on the front surface of the table top member. This dimensional change allows users to access controls while standing at the workstation without reaching over or extending beyond the work surface area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wide tread is used on the treadmill, then users can walk at various locations, but users have a tendency to move to different locations and may inadvertently step off the tread
Solution Approach 1:
The treadmill tread is designed with a narrow width that provides a specific, constrained walking path. This local quality change from wide to narrow ensures users maintain a central position on the tread, reducing the risk of stepping off while still providing adequate walking space for exercise functionality.
4Area of stationary object
If a large table top surface is used to facilitate many occupational activities, then the work surface is adequate, but users may spread materials across extended spaces causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The table top member is segmented into portions with different functions - one portion providing work surface area for occupational activities and another portion providing hand rail access. This segmentation ensures materials are confined to specific zones, preventing spreading across extended spaces that would compromise user stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A treadmill assembly comprising a substantially horizontal tread assembly including oppositely extending front and rear ends, a tread and a controller for controlling movement of the tread, a support structure extending proximate the rear end of the tread assembly to a distal top end substantially above the rear end of the tread assembly, a table top member mounted to the distal top end of the support structure, the top member including a substantially flat work surface and a front edge, the work surface having dimensions suitable to support a computer keyboard and a control assembly including at least one input button for providing command signals for controlling the controller, the control assembly supported by the table top member adjacent the front edge of the table top member.