Wearable Control Ring for Treadmill Speed Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals find it difficult to manipulate treadmill controls while exercising, especially as speed increases, which can negatively impact their performance and form.

Innovation Solution

A wearable control ring with user input mechanisms and a transmitter that allows exercisers to adjust treadmill parameters such as speed and incline wirelessly, eliminating the need to reach for console controls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If treadmill controls are manipulated while exercising, then operating parameters can be adjusted, but exercise performance and form deteriorate due to reaching and distraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of control adjustmentVSAvoidexercise performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A wearable control ring acts as an intermediary device between the user and the treadmill console. The ring contains control mechanisms that communicate with the treadmill to adjust operating parameters, eliminating the need for the user to reach for and manipulate the main console controls during exercise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is moved from the horizontal plane of the treadmill console to the wearable ring on the user's body. This spatial repositioning allows control adjustment without requiring the user to extend their arm or change their exercise posture, thereby maintaining exercise form and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If treadmill controls are manipulated at higher speeds, then operating parameters can be adjusted, but control difficulty increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcontrol manipulation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable control ring is designed to be operated with the thumb or finger of the same hand wearing it, allowing users to adjust controls without using their other hand or reaching forward. This self-contained control mechanism remains accessible and operable at all exercise intensities including high-speed running.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If console controls are reached for during exercise, then parameter adjustment is possible, but exercise form and pace are negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter adjustabilityVSAvoidexercise form consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control function is segmented from the main treadmill console and integrated into a separate wearable ring device. This segmentation allows the control function to be independently positioned on the user's body, enabling parameter adjustment without compromising exercise form or requiring interruption of the exercise routine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9149683B2Exercise device control ring

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 IFIT INC

AI summary

A control ring that usable in adjusting one or more operating parameters of an exercise device includes a body, user input mechanisms, and a transmitter. The control ring is wearable on a finger of an exerciser. The body of the control ring has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The user input mechanisms are associated with the body and may be selectively activated by the exerciser. Upon activation of the user input mechanisms, the transmitter communicates a control command to an exercise device in order to adjust the operating parameters of the exercise device.