Asymmetrical Adjustable Weight Trainer for Portable Strength Workouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable dumbbells are cumbersome, require multiple weights, and are not well suited for travel due to their size and complexity, making them impractical for individuals who need to transport them for workouts outside the gym.
Innovation Solution
A bowling pin-shaped exercise apparatus with removable weight rings that can be easily adjusted and transported, featuring a handle at one end and slots for weight rings at the other, allowing incremental weight addition and a carrying case for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustable dumbbells are used, then weight can be adjusted, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires a stand for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable dumbbell is segmented into a handle and multiple detachable weight plates. Each weight plate can be independently attached or removed from the handle, allowing weight adjustment without requiring a complex selector mechanism or stand. This segmentation enables the dumbbell to be stored simply by placing all components together, eliminating the need for a dedicated stand while maintaining full weight adjustability.
2Ease of operation
If selectorized dumbbells are used, then weight can be easily changed, but the mechanism increases the size and weight of the overall system
Solution Approach 1:
The dumbbell employs a dynamic weight adjustment system where weight plates can be quickly attached or detached from the handle during exercise routines. This dynamic approach allows users to change weights without returning to a stand or using complex selector mechanisms. The system maintains simplicity by using basic attachment features on the handle that accommodate various weight plates, avoiding additional mechanical components that would increase overall weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple free weights are used, then weight can be adjusted, but portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple weight plates that would traditionally be separate free weights are merged into a coordinated system with the handle. The handle serves as a central component to which all weight plates can be attached, creating a unified portable unit. This merging allows users to transport the entire weight set by simply carrying the handle with attached plates, eliminating the need to transport multiple separate dumbbells or use a large storage container, thereby maintaining full weight adjustment capability while significantly improving portability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for improving strength via an exercise apparatus. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle being located at the proximal end, and a plurality of vertically arranged slots descending from the handle toward to the distal end of the body. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of (removable) weight rings configured to be placed into the plurality of slots, thereby adding weight to the apparatus. Each weight ring may further include a pin configured to mate with a corresponding slot on the body, thereby affixing the weight ring to the body during use. Unlike traditional dumbbells, which are symmetrical (i.e., equal amounts of weight are positioned on opposite sides of the grip), the present invention is asymmetrical, where weights are only located on one side of the grip.