Dynamic Weight Suspension Rings for Core Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight suspension systems using rubber bands for exercise are difficult to secure, lack durability, and offer no control over weight movement, limiting the effectiveness of instability-based resistance training for core strength and muscle engagement.
Innovation Solution
A suspension apparatus comprising metallic rings with a larger inner radius than the barbell, a nylon strap, and D-rings for secure attachment, allowing weights to swing freely between the rings, enhancing muscle engagement and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber bands are used to suspend weights, then the weight suspension is achieved, but the bands are difficult to secure and lack durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable but difficult-to-secure rubber bands with a disposable strap system that uses simple fasteners. The strap can be easily attached and detached without complex mechanisms, solving the contradiction between durability and ease of securing by accepting that the strap is a consumable component that is easily replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fasteners as intermediary components between the strap and the weight plate, and between the strap and the barbell. These fasteners mediate the connection, providing easy attachment and detachment while maintaining secure fastening, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rubber bands are used to suspend weights, then the weight suspension is achieved, but there is no control over the amount of sway or movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic suspension system where the strap can be adjusted in length and the fasteners can be positioned at different locations on the strap. This allows the system to adapt to different movement requirements and provide controlled sway, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and consistency by enabling adjustable rather than fixed suspension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows users to change parameters such as strap length and fastener position to control the amount of sway and movement. By making these parameters adjustable, the system provides both consistency for reliable suspension and adaptability for controlled movement, resolving the technical contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If rings with larger inner radius are used, then the weight can swing freely for full range of motion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suspension system into separate components: rings with larger inner radius for free swinging, straps for connection, and fasteners for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity, resolving the contradiction between range of motion and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rings serve multiple functions: they provide the larger inner radius for free swinging motion, act as attachment points for the straps, and enable the full range of motion exercise. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension apparatus including first and second rings, each ring having an inner periphery with an inner radius greater than the outer radius of a standard barbell bar; a coupler secured to the outer periphery of each ring; a strap; and first and second fasteners secured to opposite ends of the strap. The strap is inserted through an opening in a barbell weight and secured to the rings. In the best mode, the rings are metallic, the strap is nylon and the coupler is attached to an elastic ring secured to the outer periphery of a respective one of the rings, whereby the weight is free to swing about a point between the rings on the bar over an angle as well as up and down.