Collapsible Handle Core Wheel with Spring-Loaded Axial Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing core wheels require assembly before use, which can hinder their utility as exercise devices and complicate storage, especially during shipping or long-term storage when components like handles and shafts need to be removed.
Innovation Solution
The core wheel features collapsible handles that transition from an axial use position to a radial storage position, supported by a three-point system formed by the wheel's surface and handle protrusions, with spring-loaded pistons preventing rotation and collapse during exercise, ensuring stability and easy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If handles are made removable to facilitate storage, then storage convenience is improved, but device complexity increases due to assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be collapsed from an extended axial position to a retracted radial position. This dynamic transformation enables the handle to transition between a compact stored configuration and an extended use configuration, eliminating the need for removal and assembly while achieving compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is configured to nest against the wheel body when collapsed, with the handle base positioned adjacent to the wheel circumference. This nesting arrangement allows the handle to be stored within the spatial envelope of the wheel itself, achieving compact storage without requiring separate storage space or assembly steps.
2Volume of moving object
If handles are collapsed to a radial position for storage, then storage compactness is improved, but stability during exercise may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The handle incorporates a spring mechanism that provides dynamic force to maintain the handle in its extended axial position during exercise. The spring is compressed when the handle is extended and pushes to keep the handle against the block, ensuring stable gripping position and force transmission during exercise while allowing collapse to radial position for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent the handle from collapsing during exercise. By pre-compressing the spring and positioning it to push the handle against the block, the system counteracts any tendency for the handle to move or collapse under load, ensuring stability during exercise.
3Reliability
If T-shaped protrusions are used to prevent rotation, then handle stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The T-shaped protrusion and corresponding T-shaped slot create an asymmetric mechanical interface that prevents rotation of the handle relative to the wheel. The T-shaped geometry allows linear movement along the slot while the perpendicular flange of the T prevents rotational movement, providing stable handle positioning without requiring complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: the fork with arms, the T-shaped protrusion for anti-rotation, the base for mounting, and the grip portion. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving rotational prevention through the specialized T-shaped interface.
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
Enables convenient and stable storage without the need for assembly, prevents handle collapse during use, and allows for secure exercise positions with optional strapping for added stability.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-loaded piston is mounted to the handle between the arms of the forks. The spring-loaded pistons push the handles away from the blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
A core wheel exercise device has a wheel with an axle and a shaft which extends through the wheel axle to which are mounted two handles. The handles in an extended configuration may be gripped or engaged by a user for exercise purposes, and in a collapsed storage configuration are aligned parallel to the wheel radius with a collapsed length equal to or slightly longer than the wheel radius so the core wheel may be supported on the ends of the handles. The handles are moved from the extended to the collapsed configuration by pushing the handles toward the wheel along dovetailed grooves in blocks on the shaft, allowing the handles to be rotated perpendicular to the shaft for storage. The blocks have an extension on one side of the shaft so the handles support a user so the handles cannot collapse under the load.