Bench Centering Device Using Intermediary Catch Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in correctly, securely, and easily centering a user support bench with multi-exercise machines for safe and proper exercise performance.

Innovation Solution

A centering device comprising a receiving bracket with wheels and a catch mechanism, including outer pegs and a center peg, which engages with the exercise machine to securely position the bench unit, with the catch mechanism being linearly adjustable to accommodate various exercises.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user support bench is made detachable from a multi-exercise machine, then the user can perform exercises free and clear of the bench, but it becomes difficult to correctly center the bench with the machine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise flexibilityVSAvoidbench centering difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A centering device acts as an intermediary component between the detachable bench and the multi-exercise machine. The centering device includes a receiving bracket attached to the bench and a catch mechanism attached to the machine, which guides and secures the bench in the correct centered position when attached, while allowing easy detachment when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The catch mechanism is pre-positioned on the multi-exercise machine at the correct centering location. When the user attaches the bench, the receiving bracket automatically engages with the pre-positioned catch mechanism, ensuring the bench is correctly centered without requiring the user to manually align it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a centering device is added to the multi-exercise machine, then the bench can be securely centered, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebench centering securityVSAvoidmachine structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centering device is segmented into two separate components: a receiving bracket that attaches to the bench and a catch mechanism that attaches to the multi-exercise machine. This segmentation allows the centering function to be added without redesigning the entire machine structure, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catch mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it centers the bench during exercises requiring the bench, and it can be detached to allow free movement during exercises not requiring the bench. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10864404B2Weight bench centering device

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 SPECIALTY FITNESS SYST

AI summary

A centering device includes a receiving bracket configured to be attached to a bench unit including at least one wheel, the receiving bracket defines a receiving hole, and a catch mechanism configured to be attached to an exercise machine, the catch mechanism comprising at least one outer peg and a center peg, the outer peg defining a groove. The receiving bracket and wheels being engagable with the catch mechanism to center the bench unit with respect to the exercise machine.