Adjustable Dumbbell with V-Shaped Plate Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dumbbells do not allow easy adjustment or incremental variation of weight, requiring multiple dumbbells of different weights, which increases costs and space requirements and hampers the flexibility of weight training programs.
Innovation Solution
A dumbbell design featuring metal weight plates with V-shaped coupling slots and bodies, and a locking cartridge system that allows easy connection and disconnection of weight plates, enabling incremental weight adjustment by adding or removing plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dumbbells with fixed weight plates are used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability for different weight training programs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dumbbell is divided into modular components: a handle, multiple detachable weight plates of different weights, and connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows users to assemble different weight combinations by attaching or detaching plates, providing weight adaptability while keeping each component simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The dumbbell transitions from a static fixed-weight design to a dynamic adjustable-weight design. The connection mechanisms (such as spring-loaded pins or bayonet connectors) enable quick attachment and detachment of weight plates, allowing the dumbbell to dynamically adapt to different training requirements without complex reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dumbbells of different weights are maintained, then the weight training program flexibility is improved, but the space requirement and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single dumbbell handle can accommodate multiple weight plates of different weights, making it universal for various weight training needs. The handle serves as a common base for all weight combinations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized dumbbells and reducing storage space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple weight plates are stacked vertically on the handle in a nested arrangement, similar to dolls within dolls. This compact stacking allows multiple weight options to occupy minimal storage space when not in use, while providing full weight variability when needed.
3Ease of operation
If weight plates are quickly detachably connected, then the ease of operation for weight adjustment is improved, but the reliability of the connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism incorporates pre-designed safety features such as spring-loaded locking pins, bayonet connectors with detent positions, or friction-fit interfaces that provide inherent security. These features are built into the design beforehand to ensure that quick-attach weight plates remain securely connected during use, preventing accidental detachment while maintaining ease of attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A dumbbell to be used as a weight training device during an exercise program. The dumbbell includes a gripping handle and a pair of collars connected to opposite ends of the handle. A series of weight plates having different weights are selectively and detachably connected to each other and to the pair of the collars so as to enable a user to incrementally adjust the gross weight of the dumbbell to conform to his exercise program. Each weight plate has a recessed V-shaped coupling slot formed in one face thereof and a V-shaped coupling body projecting from the opposite face. The V-shaped coupling body of a first weight plate being carried by the dumbbell is aligned with and guided into receipt by the V-shaped coupling slot of an adjacent additional weight plate so that the first and additional weight plates can be detachably connected together.