Convex Exercise Weight with Segmented Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional kettle bells with spherical weights and single handles can cause undesirable torque and impact on the body during exercises, leading to safety issues and discomfort, and are not suitable for all types of workouts.
Innovation Solution
A convexly shaped exercise weight with a pair of handle members that engage a common transverse plane, featuring multiple handholds with different spatial relationships, allowing for various gripping options and reduced torque, and a set of weights that can be stacked vertically for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a spherical weight with a single handle is used, then the exercise equipment is simple and easy to manufacture, but it produces excessive torque and dangerous impact during swinging exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The single handle is segmented into a pair of handle members attached to opposite sides of the weight member. Each handle member has connecting sections that attach to the weight member at locations spaced apart along its circumference, distributing the torque and reducing peak stresses on the wrist and handle attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle configuration transitions from a single-point attachment to a distributed multi-point attachment system. The connecting sections are arranged in a pattern around the weight member's circumference, adding spatial dimensionality to the handle-weight interface and creating a more stable connection that resists torque in multiple directions.
2Device complexity
If a spherical weight with a single handle is used, then the device is simple, but it causes undesirable torque on the wrist during overhead press exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The single handle is divided into a pair of handle members positioned on opposite sides of the weight member. This segmentation allows the user to distribute the gripping force across two separate hand positions, reducing the torque concentration on any single wrist joint during overhead press exercises.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle members are positioned asymmetrically on opposite sides of the weight member, creating a balanced but non-symmetric grip configuration. This asymmetric placement allows for varied gripping options that can accommodate different wrist positions and exercise requirements, reducing harmful torque through proper force distribution.
3Ease of manufacture
If a spherical weight is used, then the shape is simple and easy to manufacture, but it interferes with certain exercises by striking or pressing against body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The weight member is segmented by attaching handle members at opposite sides, creating clear spatial separation between the weight mass and the handling zones. This segmentation allows body parts to pass through the clearance space between handle members during exercises, preventing interference while maintaining a simple spherical weight body for easy manufacturing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple handholds are provided on each handle member, then versatility for different gripping options is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each handle member is designed with multiple handholds that can accommodate different gripping styles (overhand, underhand, neutral grip). This multi-functional design allows the same handle structure to serve multiple exercise requirements, providing versatility without requiring separate equipment for different grip types.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple handholding options are merged into a single integrated handle member structure. The connecting sections and outer sections are combined to form a unified handle that provides various grip positions, reducing the need for multiple separate components while maintaining versatility across different exercise types.
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of handle members are attached to opposite sides of a weight member that is convexly rounded over most of its surface. Each of the handle members has at least three handholds with different spatial relationships. The handle members each have an outer section with a core of solid material spaced from the weight member. The handle members have a plurality of connecting sections with at least four of them connected to the weight member. Opposite ends of the outer section are separately supported by a corresponding pair of the connecting sections. The weight member has clearance to allow passage of an exerciser's body part through a common transverse plane that engages the handles, if the passage is outside a region between the pair of handles. These weights can be assembled in different sizes. The weights of this set each have one or more flat sections arranged to allow vertical stacking.