Cam-Based Upright Adjustment for Combo Racks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combo racks in powerlifting are cumbersome and prone to looseness due to their pivot point being located at the bottom, making adjustments for different lifter sizes imprecise and difficult.

Innovation Solution

A device that relocates the pivot point to the top of the combo rack upright, utilizing a cam mechanism with a lock collar knob for precise adjustments and secure locking, allowing the upright to be easily moved and locked into alternate positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the pivot point is located at the bottom of the post, then the structure is simpler, but the adjustment precision and joint tightness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidpivot point location complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional pivot point location from the bottom of the post to the top. This inversion allows the upright to pivot about the top of the post rather than the bottom, creating a tighter joint and more precise adjustment capability while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If thumb screws welded to a collar are used for adjustment, then the structure is simpler, but the operation becomes cumbersome and the connection becomes loose

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidadjustment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical thumb screw system with a cam mechanism. The cam, when rotated by a knob, provides progressive mechanical advantage that allows easy one-handed operation while creating a secure, tight connection between the upright and post, eliminating the looseness associated with welded thumb screws

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If multiple thumb screws are used to secure the upright, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple adjustment and locking functions into a single cam mechanism operated by one knob. Instead of requiring multiple thumb screws to be loosened and tightened separately, the cam consolidates these functions, allowing rapid adjustment and secure locking in a single operational motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances precision and stability in adjusting the combo rack uprights, providing a tighter fit and easier operation, accommodating various lifter sizes with improved adjustability and security.

Implementation Method 1

The adjustment device 20 has a cam 30. The cam 30 has an extension member 32, a first recess 34 and a second recess 36.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS11497956B2Combination exercise rack adjustment device

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 COULTER VENTURES LLC

AI summary

A combination exercise rack adjustment device allows the combination exercise rack to have multiple positions for an upright. The positions translate to different angles that are used for specific exercises such as bench press and squats. The device has a cam with an extension that dictates the angle of the upright. In the preferred embodiment, a post is described that includes the adjustment device.