Dock-and-Lock Weight Rack with Collapsible Spotter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Olympic style weight racks and benches require a balance between rigidity and adjustability, and the need for a collapsible spotter platform that can be elevated for certain exercises while minimizing space and effort, as existing solutions do not efficiently address these requirements.
Innovation Solution
A weight training rack and bench system with a user support frame that can be securely locked to a dock at multiple positions using a locking member and roller mechanism, allowing for adjustable positioning and easy reconfiguration between exercises, and collapsible spotter platforms that pivot for efficient use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the bench is securely locked to the rack at fixed positions, then rigidity and stability are improved, but adjustability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bench-to-rack connection system transitions from fixed to dynamic positioning. The roller mechanism enables the bench to be locked at multiple adjustable positions along the rack, allowing the system to adapt between different exercise requirements while maintaining stability at each locked position.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into discrete locking positions along the rack. The roller can be positioned at different locations and locked into place, creating segmented adjustable positions that provide both stability at each position and overall adjustability across multiple positions.
2Device complexity
If a fixed spotter platform is used, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability for different exercises deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spotter platform is designed to be collapsible and reconfigurable. It can be extended to elevated positions for exercises like military press and retracted for flat press exercises, allowing a single platform structure to adapt to multiple exercise requirements without adding permanent complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spotter platform is divided into separable components that can be assembled and disassembled. The platform includes a base section and an extendable section that can be configured differently depending on the exercise, providing versatility while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
3Productivity
If the spotter platform is extended for elevated exercises, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but space occupation and setup effort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spotter platform uses a collapsible design that allows it to be extended only when needed for elevated exercises. When not needed, the platform can be retracted to a compact state, minimizing space occupation and reducing setup effort while maintaining the capability to provide elevated positioning when required.
Data Source
AI summary
Exercise equipment includes a stationary dock and a user support frame engaging the dock in docking relation, including application as a weight training rack and bench including a weight rack frame and a bench frame releasably lockable to the weight rack frame at a plurality of selectable locking locations therealong. A pair of collapsible spotter platforms are mounted to respective upstanding support posts.