Dumbbell with Rounded Edges for Shoulder Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dumbbells lack ergonomic design features, leading to discomfort and reduced performance during exercises that involve resting the dumbbell on the shoulders or body.
Innovation Solution
The dumbbell design includes an exposed metal handle with two rubber-coated heads, each featuring a hexagonal cross-section with rounded edges and no sharp corners, providing a comfortable and secure grip and resting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional dumbbells with straight edges and sharp corners are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but user comfort and safety are reduced due to pressure points and rolling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by rounding all edges and corners of the dumbbell heads, replacing traditional straight edges and sharp corners with curved surfaces. This is achieved through rubber coating that conforms to the rounded geometry, eliminating pressure points during shoulder rests and preventing rolling during exercises while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through molding processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the dumbbell heads by introducing rounded edges with specific radii and curved surfaces instead of flat planes and sharp corners. The rubber coating thickness and curvature radius are controlled parameters that balance comfort improvement with manufacturing complexity
2Reliability
If dumbbells are designed with rounded edges and no sharp corners, then safety and comfort are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction with a metal core providing structural strength and a rubber coating providing the rounded, safe surface. The rubber layer absorbs the manufacturing precision requirements for rounding, while the metal core maintains dimensional stability and strength, allowing safer design without excessive precision demands on the entire manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the dumbbell: the metal core provides strength and durability where needed, while the rubber coating provides cushioning and rounded geometry at contact surfaces. This local differentiation allows safety improvements through rounded edges without requiring high precision throughout the entire manufacturing process
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes an article of exercise equipment, such as, to a dumbbell having an ergonomic design. In some embodiments, the dumbbell may comprise an exposed metal handle having a central longitudinal axis extending through the handle; two heads located at opposite ends of the handle, with each of the heads including an outer end face and an inner end face positioned closer to the handle than the outer end face, and a plurality of side faces disposed between the outer end face and the inner end face; and a plurality of rims. Each of the plurality of side faces may face radially outward away from the central longitudinal axis, and each rim of the plurality of rims may include a fillet.