Adjustable Counterweight for Rotatable Performance Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional counterweights for rotatable performance devices, such as yo-yos, are of fixed weights, requiring users to purchase multiple counterweights and spend time and money on incremental adjustments, limiting weight ranges and increasing surface area and expense.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable counterweight system comprising interchangeable weight plates and washers, allowing users to easily add or subtract weight to achieve desired levels, with a design that includes a first and second portion with grooves and bores for string attachment and a bolt-nut mechanism for assembly, enabling fine-tuning of weight for various maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-weight counterweights are used, then the device structure is simple, but the user needs to purchase multiple counterweights to achieve different weights, increasing cost and storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight is divided into multiple detachable weight plates that can be individually added or removed. Each weight plate is a separate component with a standardized interface, allowing users to configure different total weights by combining different numbers of plates, thereby achieving weight adaptability without requiring multiple complete counterweights.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight design uses a universal interface system with standardized grooves, posts, and fasteners that work across all weight plates. This multi-functional interface allows the same structural components to serve multiple purposes: attaching weight plates, securing the string, and enabling quick weight changes, reducing the need for multiple specialized counterweights.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-weight counterweights are purchased to achieve different weights, then the desired weight ranges are available, but the expense and surface area required increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having multiple complete counterweights of different weights, the system segments the total weight into multiple smaller weight plates. Users only need to own a set of plates that sum to the maximum desired weight, and can selectively combine them to achieve any intermediate weight, reducing the total material required compared to owning multiple full-sized counterweights.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple weight plates are designed to be combined together in a single counterweight assembly using the standardized interface. This merging of multiple small components into one functional unit provides the same weight range adaptability as having multiple separate counterweights, but with reduced total material and storage space requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed counterweights are used, then the attachment structure is simple, but the time spent removing or attaching counterweights increases when weight changes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight is segmented into detachable weight plates that can be quickly added or removed individually. The standardized interface with grooves, posts, and fasteners allows for rapid attachment and detachment without complex tools or procedures, significantly reducing the time required to change weights compared to replacing entire fixed-weight counterweights.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight system transitions from a static fixed-weight design to a dynamic adjustable design. The weight configuration can be changed on-the-fly by adding or removing plates, allowing users to adapt weights between different tricks or performance conditions without lengthy setup times, enhancing the dynamic responsiveness of the device.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple counterweights are purchased for different weights, then the desired weight increments are available, but the expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the weight selection capability into multiple affordable weight plates rather than requiring purchase of multiple expensive complete counterweights. Each individual weight plate is a simple, inexpensive component, and users can build up their desired weight range by purchasing only the specific plates they need, significantly reducing the total acquisition cost.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal counterweight interface design serves multiple weight selection needs. The same groove, post, and fastener system works for all weight plates and all yo-yo configurations, eliminating the need to purchase multiple specialized counterweight types. This universality reduces both the variety of components needed and the overall expense.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable counterweight for a yo-yo allows for the addition or subtraction of weight plates in a midsection of the counterweight assembly. The counterweight includes a first portion having at least one post, a second portion having at least one post, at least one weight plate having at least one aperture, and a bore that extends through the first portion and the second portion, and is configured to receive a fastener. The at least one weight plate is disposed between the first portion and the second portion.