Adjustable Dumbbell with Rotational Weight Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dumbbells require multiple weights for varied exercises, and existing adjustable dumbbells face limitations in weight range and increment size, making them inconvenient for users who need to frequently change weights.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable dumbbell system with a handle assembly, multiple weights, and sensors that detect rotational positions to determine connected weights, allowing for precise selection and adjustment of weight combinations using a computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple traditional dumbbells are used to provide different weights, then the weight range and exercise variety are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple weight options are merged into a single adjustable dumbbell unit. The handle assembly integrates multiple weight plates and selection mechanisms, allowing users to access different weight ranges (e.g., 5-50 lbs) without needing multiple separate dumbbells, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable dumbbell is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple weight functions. By incorporating a selection mechanism with multiple weight plates and an adjustable handle assembly, a single dumbbell can replace multiple fixed-weight dumbbells, providing weight range adaptability without increasing the number of devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable dumbbells with multiple weight plates are used, then the weight range is improved, but the weight increment precision deteriorates due to large increments needed to maintain reasonable length
Solution Approach 1:
The weight selection mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete weight plates with different weight values. The handle assembly can selectively engage different combinations of these segmented weight components, allowing for fine-grained weight adjustments (e.g., in 2.5 lb or 5 lb increments) while maintaining a reasonable overall dumbbell length
Solution Approach 2:
The selection mechanism utilizes rotational positioning in an angular dimension to control weight selection. The handle assembly rotates to different angular positions, each corresponding to a specific weight configuration, thereby achieving precise weight increment control without increasing the linear length of the dumbbell
3Adaptability or versatility
If users frequently change dumbbell weights by selecting different dumbbells or disassembling them, then the weight adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple weight plates are pre-positioned on the handle assembly in specific configurations. The selection mechanism allows users to quickly switch between pre-configured weight settings by simply rotating the handle to different angular positions, eliminating the need for time-consuming disassembly or reconfiguration, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining weight adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the rotational position of the handle assembly and provide feedback to a computing device. This feedback mechanism automatically identifies the selected weight based on the handle's angular position, confirming the weight selection to the user and enabling quick, error-free weight changes without manual counting or verification
4Measurement precision
If sensors and computing devices are added to detect weight selection, then the measurement precision of weight is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An optical encoder or reflective marker system serves as an intermediary between the mechanical handle rotation and the electronic sensing system. The handle assembly includes optical features (such as reflective markers or encoded patterns) that mediate the conversion of mechanical rotational position into detectable optical signals, allowing precise weight detection without requiring complex direct mechanical sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical weight selection indication system is replaced with an optical sensing system. Instead of using complex mechanical switches or position sensors, the patent employs optical sensors (such as reflective optical sensors) that detect the rotational position of the handle through non-contact optical fields, thereby achieving precise weight measurement with reduced mechanical complexity
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
Enables users to easily select and adjust dumbbell weights without needing multiple dumbbells, providing a wide weight range with reasonable increments, enhancing exercise flexibility and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor includes at least one of the following: an optical sensor, a reflective sensor
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor includes at least one of the following: an accelerometer
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable dumbbell system may include a handle assembly, at least one weight, at least one sensor, and a computing device. The at least one weight may be selectively fixedly connectable to the handle assembly. The least one sensor may be positioned on the handle assembly. The at least one sensor may be configured to detect a handle assembly attribute indicative of whether the at least one weight is fixedly connected to the handle assembly. The computing device may be in communication with the at least one sensor and may be configured to receive information regarding the handle assembly attribute from the at least one sensor.