Barbell Block for Adjustable Bench Press Starting Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weightlifting aids for bench press exercises are either impractical, unsafe, or limited in their ability to adjust starting positions and angles, requiring a spotter or cumbersome setups that restrict user flexibility and portability.

Innovation Solution

A weightlifting aid featuring a barbell supporting block element with adjustable height, attached to the barbell rather than the user's chest, allowing for quick and safe adjustments in starting position and range of motion without the need for a spotter or cumbersome harnesses, enabling use on various bench angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If stackable wooden boards are placed on the user's chest to raise the starting position, then the user can perform bench press with heavier weights, but a spotter is required to hold the boards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestarting position adjustmentVSAvoidoperation safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the support structure on the user's chest (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by attaching the block element to the barbell itself. This eliminates the need for a spotter to hold the support structure while maintaining the ability to adjust starting positions for heavier weights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the support function from the user's chest area and relocates it to the barbell. The block element attached to the barbell provides the necessary support without requiring a spotter, thereby separating the support function from the user's body and external assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a cylindrical pad is used to prevent upper arms from descending below horizontal plane, then shoulder injury is reduced, but the starting position cannot be adjusted for different weights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoulder injury riskVSAvoidstarting position adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies dynamics by making the block element's position adjustable. The block element can be attached to different locations on the barbell, allowing dynamic adjustment of the starting position while maintaining the protective function of preventing excessive arm descent. This enables adaptation to different weight levels and user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The block element serves multiple functions: it acts as a stop to prevent upper arms from descending below the horizontal plane (injury prevention) and simultaneously provides adjustable starting position support for different weight levels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for protection and position adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple board elements are stacked on the user's chest to achieve variable height, then starting position adjustment is enabled, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires vertical alignment with the barbell path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestarting position adjustmentVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the support function from the complex stacked board structure on the user's chest and relocates it to a single block element attached to the barbell. This simplifies the device structure while maintaining the ability to adjust starting positions, eliminating the need for multiple stacked elements and their associated alignment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of stacking multiple boards on the user's chest (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using a single block element attached to the barbell. This reduces device complexity from multiple stacked components to a single attachable block, eliminating alignment issues with the barbell path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a harness with spacers is used to prevent barbell from touching the chest, then injury risk is reduced, but the device is difficult to transport and store

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinjury riskVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the protective function from the bulky harness with spacers and concentrates it into a compact block element that attaches directly to the barbell. This maintains the injury prevention capability while dramatically improving portability and storage ease, as the block element can be conveniently attached or removed from the barbell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9138613B2Weightlifting aid

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 FERRELL STEVEN E

AI summary

According to the invention there is provided an improved weightlifting aid and method of use thereof, comprising: a barbell supporting block element; and a plurality of barbell contacting arrangements for attaching different sides of the block element to a barbell; in which the one or more barbell contacting arrangements are releasably connectable to the barbell; so as to secure the block element to the barbell above the chest of a user performing a bench press exercise, the block element being of adjustable height depending on which part of the block element is attached to the barbell.