Adjustable Grip Weight Adaptor for Custom Exercise Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional grip plates are limited by fixed diameters, unadjustable handle positions, and inability to manipulate balance points, restricting exercise versatility and requiring multiple purchases for different exercises and user preferences.

Innovation Solution

A modular grip weight adaptor system with adjustable handles and couplers that can engage weight plates of various diameters, allowing for adjustable positioning and rotation, enabling customizable grip locations and balance points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If grip plates are manufactured in different sizes based on weight, then the weight capacity is improved, but the handle size varies and reduces usability for different users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight capacityVSAvoidhandle size consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The grip plate system is segmented into two independent components: a standardized handle component with consistent dimensions and a weight plate component with variable mass. The handle is designed as a separate attachment that can be coupled to weight plates of different weights, allowing the ergonomic handle portion to remain uniform across all weight variations while the plate portion adjusts for different exercise requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized handle component is designed to be universally compatible with multiple weight plate configurations. A single handle design can be attached to various weight plates, allowing one handle type to serve multiple functions across different weight classes, eliminating the need for users to purchase different handle sizes for different weight plates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If handles are fixed along the outer rim of grip plates, then manufacturing is simplified, but exercise versatility is reduced due to inability to adjust grip positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle positioningVSAvoidgrip position options

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handle positioning system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The handle component incorporates adjustment mechanisms that allow users to reposition the handle along the weight plate perimeter or attach at different orientations, enabling the same handle to serve multiple grip position requirements for different exercises without requiring multiple specialized handle designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle and weight plate are segmented as separate, independently positionable components. The handle can be attached at various positions around the weight plate's outer rim rather than being permanently fixed at specific locations, allowing flexible positioning to match different exercise requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized attachment points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If grip plates have fixed balance points, then structural stability is improved, but exercise variety is limited due to inability to manipulate balance during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalance point stabilityVSAvoidbalance manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The balance point of the weight system is made dynamic rather than fixed. The handle component can be positioned at different locations on the weight plate, and the handle itself can be rotated or reoriented during exercise, allowing users to intentionally create off-balance conditions for varied exercise training while maintaining stable attachment during each exercise execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of grip plates are purchased for different exercises, then exercise versatility is improved, but cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise varietyVSAvoidnumber of grip plate sets

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single standardized handle component is designed to be universally compatible with multiple weight plate configurations and suitable for various exercises. This multi-functional handle can be attached to different weight plates and positioned in multiple orientations, replacing the need for multiple specialized grip plate sets and reducing both cost and system complexity while maintaining exercise versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11590385B2Device for adapting exercise weights for use as grip plates

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 KNAPP JESSE

AI summary

A grip apparatus for attachment to a weight plate is provided for enabling the weight plate to be used as a grip plate like those having integrally formed handles. The grip apparatus may include a grip handle, at least one adapter element, and at least one coupler. The grip handle may circumscribe at least a portion of the weight plate. The at least one adapter element may be coupled to the grip handle and may further be configured to adjustably extend therefrom. The at least one coupler may be coupled to each of the at least one adapter element proximate to a distal end thereof and may further be configured to selectively engage the weight plate. The at least one adapter element may comprise two adapter elements positioned so as to enable the at least one coupler to engage opposite sides of the weight plate.