Barbell Collar Mechanical Locking Elastomer Pad

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing barbell collars face durability issues due to the wear and failure of adhesives used in their construction.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mechanical locking mechanism that secures rubber or elastomer pads to the collar, eliminating the need for adhesives and enhancing durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesives are used to secure pads to the collar, then the collar can be manufactured with simpler assembly processes, but the adhesive wears out and fails over time, reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesives) with a mechanical locking system. The injection-molded elastomeric material physically interlocks with the collar through mechanical features such as ribs, slots, or undercuts, eliminating the need for separate adhesive application while providing durable, long-term retention of the pads under heavy loads and repeated use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If mechanical locking mechanism is used to secure pads, then durability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pad retention mechanism directly into the injection molding process. The mechanical locking features (such as ribs, slots, or interlocking geometries) are integrated into the mold design, allowing the elastomeric material to be formed with built-in mechanical retention features in a single manufacturing step, rather than requiring separate assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the material properties of elastomeric materials during injection molding to create self-retaining structures. By controlling injection parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate), the material naturally forms mechanical interlocks with the collar, transforming the manufacturing approach from adhesive-based to inherently self-securing through material behavior control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250090891A1Collar for a barbell

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 NIKE INC

AI summary

A collar for a barbell, the collar having a first collar portion having a body extending along a curve, wherein the body includes: an outer radial surface; an inner radial surface; a channel extending between the outer radial surface and the inner radial surface; a blockage disposed within the channel, wherein the blockage comprises an elastomeric material; and a first pad extending radially inward from the inner radial surface of the first collar portion, wherein first pad includes the same elastomeric material of the blockage, and wherein the first pad is integral with the blockage disposed within the channel.