Bottom-hinged barbell holder with cam latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dumbbells are not ideal for kettlebell exercises, lacking a secure and ergonomic handle that prevents unintended dislodging.
Innovation Solution
A bottom-hinged holder with a locking mechanism that adapts dumbbells to provide a kettlebell-style handle, featuring interdigitating barrel sections for stability, compressible gaskets for secure grip, and a cam latch for locking, ensuring the handle remains closed when gripped.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bottom-hinged holder with locking mechanism is used to adapt dumbbells to kettlebell format, then the security and ergonomics of the handle are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into two separate bodies (first body and second body) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each body has its own handle section, intermediate section, and base section, allowing modular construction while achieving the complex locked configuration when assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is nested within the structure of the holder bodies. The cam latch integrates with the intermediate sections of both bodies, and when engaged, it locks the two bodies together to maintain the kettlebell configuration without requiring external locking components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If interdigitating barrel sections are used for the hinge, then the stability against dislodging is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel sections are designed with interdigitating asymmetric profiles that complement each other. The first set of barrel sections and second set of barrel sections have matching but opposite geometries that interlock to prevent dislodging while distributing stress across multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection is pre-configured with interdigitating barrel sections that are designed to self-align during assembly. The geometric complementarity of the barrel sections guides them into proper alignment, reducing the need for high-precision manual adjustment during final assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compressible gaskets are used to accommodate various handle diameters, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Compressible gaskets are incorporated into the channel structure to accommodate handles of varying diameters. The gaskets can be compressed radially to fit different handle sizes while maintaining secure contact, allowing the same holder design to adapt to multiple dumbbell specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel with integrated compressible gaskets serves multiple functions: it guides the dumbbell handle into position, accommodates various handle diameters through compression, and provides a sealed interface between the two holder bodies. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized components.
4Reliability
If a cam latch locking mechanism is used, then the reliability of the closed position is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam latch utilizes curved cam surfaces that provide mechanical advantage during engagement. The curved geometry of the cam mechanism allows a small rotational input force to generate a large locking force, making the locking action easier to perform while maintaining secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam latch mechanism is designed to self-latch when the holder bodies are brought together in the closed position. The geometric arrangement of the cam surfaces causes automatic engagement without requiring additional actuation, while still allowing deliberate release when needed.
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 holder securely converts dumbbells into a kettlebell format, preventing dislodging and accommodating various handle diameters, providing a stable and ergonomic gripping experience.
Implementation Method 1
A hinge couples the first bottom to the second bottom. The hinge enables pivoting motion of the first body relative to the second body between a closed position and an opened position.
Implementation Method 2
A locking mechanism is attached by another hinge to one body (i.e., the first body). The locking mechanism pivots between a locked position to an unlocked position. In the locked position, a cam latch of the locking mechanism secures the first body to the other body (i.e., the second body).
Implementation Method 3
compressible gaskets for secure grip
Implementation Method 4
compressible gaskets for secure grip
Data Source
AI summary
A bottom-hinged intermediate-locking barbell holder includes a pair of opposed holding bodies connected along their bottoms by a hinge. In a closed position, the handle sections form a handle for gripping and the bases define a generally cylindrical channel, near the hinged bottom, in which compressible gaskets and a handle of a dumbbell may be received and securely contained. A cam latch releasably secures the intermediate sections together.