Collapsible Weightlifting Bar Using Tubular Splint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weightlifting bars are not easily collapsible for transport or adjustable in length, limiting their convenience and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for creating a collapsible weightlifting bar by bisecting a conventional bar into two halves, using a hollow tubular splint with corresponding holes, and securing them with removably attachable hardware, allowing for adjustable length and easy disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional weightlifting bar is used, then the bar provides structural strength and stability, but the bar cannot be easily collapsed for transport or adjusted in length
Solution Approach 1:
The weightlifting bar is divided into multiple segments (bar halves) that can be separated and reconnected. Each bar half includes connection ends with holes that align with corresponding holes in the splint, allowing the bar to be segmented into transportable pieces while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar halves are inserted into a hollow tubular splint that serves as a connecting structure. The splint receives the connection ends of multiple bar halves within its hollow interior, creating a nested configuration where the splint contains the bar segments, enabling compact storage and transport.
2Ease of operation
If the bar is made collapsible with multiple parts, then transport convenience is improved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bar is segmented into halves with standardized connection interfaces. Each segment includes holes positioned at specific locations that correspond to holes in the splint, creating a modular system where segments can be easily connected and disconnected without complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint serves multiple functions: it connects bar halves, provides structural support during use, and enables compact nesting of bar segments during storage. The standardized hole pattern in the splint allows it to work with different bar configurations, making the connection mechanism universal across various assembly states.
3Adaptability or versatility
If holes are drilled in bar halves for connection hardware, then removably attachable hardware can secure the halves to the splint, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bar manufacturing process is segmented into stages: first, conventional bars are manufactured using existing processes; then, holes are drilled into the bar halves at specific locations after bisection. This approach allows standard bar manufacturing to remain unchanged while adding the connection feature through a subsequent, simple drilling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holes for connection hardware are drilled into the bar halves after the bars are bisected but before final assembly. This preliminary action prepares the connection interfaces in advance, allowing the bar halves to be readily connected to the splint using standard hardware without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible weightlifting bar, comprising: two halves bisected from a weightlifting bar; a hollow, tubular splint; and, removably attachable hardware to secure the two halves to the splint. The weightlifting bar is configured to be adjustable in overall length and is configured to be collapsible for more efficient storage and transport.