Rotational Barbell Collar With Variable-Diameter Sleeve Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Barbell collars often slip along the sleeve of a barbell, making it difficult to balance and manage weight plates during lifts, which can lead to injury.
Innovation Solution
A barbell collar with a variable internal diameter that allows selective attachment and detachment through rotational ratcheting, featuring a housing assembly with rollers and a compression ring that incrementally adjusts to securely grip the barbell sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional barbell collar is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the collar slips axially along the sleeve making it difficult to secure weight plates
Solution Approach 1:
The collar transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with variable internal diameter that can adjust during operation. The compression ring moves axially to change the internal diameter, allowing the collar to dynamically adapt its gripping force on the sleeve to prevent slippage while maintaining ease of engagement and disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal diameter of the collar is changed as a variable parameter rather than being fixed. By adjusting the position of the compression ring, the internal diameter changes to create friction engagement with the sleeve, securing the weight plates reliably while allowing controlled engagement and disengagement.
2Reliability
If a collar with increased friction engagement is used to prevent slippage, then reliability improves, but the ease of operation for engagement and disengagement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar uses a dynamic compression mechanism where rotating the housing assembly moves the compression ring axially. This creates a dynamic engagement process where friction builds progressively, allowing reliable securing during use while maintaining controlled ease of operation through rotational motion for engagement and disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement and disengagement operations use periodic rotational action on the housing assembly. Each rotation incrementally adjusts the compression ring position, creating a controlled periodic process that builds friction engagement reliably while maintaining ease of operation through simple rotational movements.
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
Ensures secure attachment and easy engagement/disengagement of weight plates without axial sliding, enhancing safety and ease of use during weightlifting exercises.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of rollers is positioned between the compression ring and the housing assembly outer radial wall, and at least one roller interacts with the tongue and groove interface throughout a path of rotation
Implementation Method 2
a barbell collar is configured to have an incrementally variable internal diameter throughout a path of rotation, thereby allowing the barbell collar to be selectively attached or detached to a barbell sleeve during operation by imparting directional rotation in a ratcheting manner
Data Source
AI summary
A barbell collar for securing weight plates to a barbell is disclosed. The barbell collar operates by rotating the housing assembly to lock or unlock the collar. The mechanism of operation involves a compression ring with a diameter that decreases around the barbell resulting in a tighter grip around the barbell.