Barbell Collar Clamp With Retained Unlock Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for barbells face difficulties in securely engaging and controlling the position of weights during exercises due to freely moving actuator mechanisms, making installation and positioning challenging.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a cylindrical body and an actuator mechanism that includes a pivot connection, an eccentric connection, and a retaining mechanism, allowing the primary member to move between locked and unlocked positions, securely engaging the mounting member by pulling the cylindrical body's ends closer together and featuring a flexible retaining tab to releasably retain the actuator in the unlocked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuator mechanism is included to tighten the clamping device, then the clamping force and engagement security are improved, but the actuator moves freely when not engaged creating difficulty in installation and controlling the position
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to the actuator, preventing it from moving freely in unintended directions. The spring is pre-loaded to push the actuator toward the locked position, counteracting the tendency of the actuator to drift or move uncontrollably when not engaged, thus solving the freedom-of-movement problem while maintaining reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism transitions from a static, freely moving component to a dynamically controlled element through the spring's continuous force application. The spring provides dynamic stabilization, allowing the actuator to move smoothly into the locked position when activated while preventing uncontrolled movement during installation and positioning operations.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator mechanism is designed to move freely for easy installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the actuator cannot maintain a stable locked position
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force that stabilizes the actuator in the locked position. When the actuator is engaged, the spring's pre-loaded force prevents it from moving out of position, ensuring stable retention of the clamped object while still allowing easy installation through controlled actuation.
3Ease of operation
If a retaining mechanism is added to hold the actuator in unlocked position, then the ease of operation during installation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is merged with the spring mechanism, combining the functions of providing counteracting force and retaining the actuator in the unlocked position into a single integrated component. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation during installation and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the counteracting force for reliable engagement, stabilizes the actuator in the locked position, and acts as the retaining mechanism to hold the actuator in the unlocked position during installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device 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
The solution ensures secure engagement and easy removal of the clamping device, maintaining stability throughout exercises and reducing the complexity of installation and positioning, enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator mechanism connected to the primary member and moveable between a locked position, where the primary member securely engages the mounting member, and an unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
a retaining mechanism configured to releasably retain the actuator in the unlocked position... featuring a flexible retaining tab
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device, such as a barbell collar, includes a primary member having a cylindrical body with a central passage configured to receive a mounting member therethrough, an actuator mechanism connected to the primary member and moveable between a locked position, where the primary member securely engages the mounting member, and an unlocked position, where the primary member is removable from the mounting member. The clamping device also includes a retaining mechanism configured to releasably retain the actuator in the unlocked position.