Energy Absorbing Weight Bar Support Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exercise equipment, such as weight racks, face challenges in safely supporting and adjusting weight bars during and after exercises, particularly when users cannot return the weight bar to its original position, leading to potential damage to the equipment and surrounding surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A weight bar support assembly with a catch arm and energy-absorbing arrangement, featuring an attachment bracket and weight support member that can be selectively engaged and disengaged from the upright, providing cushioning and adjustable support to prevent damage and facilitate safe handling of weight bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adjustable stops or arms are provided on exercise equipment to prevent damage, then equipment protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch arm assembly is divided into separate functional components: an attachment bracket for mounting to the upright, a weight support member for contacting the barbell, and an energy absorbing arrangement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch arm assembly incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the attachment bracket to be moved between multiple predetermined positions along the upright. This dynamic adjustability enables users to customize the catch arm height and position according to different exercise requirements and user preferences.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If energy absorbing arrangement is incorporated to cushion forces, then equipment durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing arrangement is pre-installed within the catch arm assembly before use. This beforehand cushioning protects the upright and surrounding surfaces from damage by absorbing impact forces when the barbell is caught, eliminating the need for additional protective measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing arrangement is integrated within the catch arm assembly structure, merging the cushioning function with the support function. This consolidation achieves protection without requiring separate standalone cushioning devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If catch arm is made adjustable to different positions, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple predetermined adjustment positions are established along the upright during manufacturing. These preliminary positioning options allow users to quickly select and adjust the catch arm to the desired height without complex calculations or measurements, simplifying the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
An engagement structure with aligned apertures serves as an intermediary mechanism between the attachment bracket and the upright. This intermediary provides discrete, easily identifiable positioning points that guide the adjustment process and ensure proper alignment, making the system easier to operate despite its adjustability.
4Reliability
If engagement structure is provided for selective engagement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure is extracted as a distinct functional element within the attachment bracket, separate from the main support structure. This extraction allows the engagement mechanism to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by clearly defining the interface between the catch arm assembly and the upright.
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
The solution effectively cushions forces transmitted during weight bar contact, preventing equipment deformation and damage, while allowing for adjustable positioning to increase the rated training weight capacity and maintain durability.
Implementation Method 1
An energy absorbing arrangement is incorporated within at least one of the attachment bracket and the weight support member, and is configured for cushioning a force transmitted to the upright upon contact of the weight bar with the weight support member
Data Source
AI summary
A weight bar support assembly for safely supporting a weight bar on exercise equipment in the event the user cannot return the weight bar to its original position includes an attachment bracket and a weight support member forming a catch arm which is selectively engaged with and moved away from an upright of the exercise equipment. An energy absorbing arrangement is incorporated within either the attachment bracket or the weight support member, and is configured to cushion forces transmitted to the upright upon contact of the weight bar with the weight support member to prevent deformation and/or damage of the exercise equipment.