Exercise Bar Connector Assembly for Stable Segment Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-segmented exercise bars suffer from unstable connections that loosen under repetitive stress and strain, leading to potential accidents and assembly difficulties due to imperfect hole alignment.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring spring-loaded pins and threaded engagement mechanisms for secure coupling of exercise bar segments, ensuring stable connections that withstand heavy weights and easy disassembly for portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hammered roll pin connection assembly is used to join exercise bar segments, then the bar can be assembled into multiple segments for easier shipping and storage, but the connection becomes unstable and prone to loosening under repetitive stress and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly transitions from a static hammered roll pin to a dynamic spring-loaded pin system that automatically maintains connection stability. The spring mechanism continuously applies force to keep the pin engaged with the holes in the bar segments, preventing loosening under repetitive stress while maintaining the multi-segment design for ease of shipping and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pin connection assembly is self-adjusting and self-maintaining. The spring automatically compensates for minor misalignments and wear, ensuring the connection remains secure without requiring external intervention or precise manufacturing tolerances, thus maintaining reliability while preserving the versatility of segmented design.
2Ease of manufacture
If a hammered roll pin connection assembly is used, then the bar segments can be joined together, but assembly becomes difficult when holes are not perfectly aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism changes from requiring precise hole alignment (high manufacturing precision) to accommodating misalignment through the spring-loaded pin's movable design. The spring allows the pin to shift position and engage with holes even when they are not perfectly aligned, thus maintaining assembly capability while reducing the precision requirements for hole machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic spring-loaded pin can move and adjust its position dynamically during assembly, allowing the connection to be made even when holes are slightly misaligned. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains ease of manufacture by reducing the stringency of hole alignment requirements compared to fixed connection methods.
3Reliability
If a spring-loaded pin connection assembly is used, then connection stability under repetitive stress is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pin connection assembly is self-adjusting and self-maintaining. The spring automatically compensates for minor misalignments and wear, ensuring the connection remains secure without requiring external intervention or precise manufacturing tolerances, thus maintaining reliability while preserving the versatility of segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex threaded engagement mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler spring-loaded pin system. This extraction of the threading function from the connection assembly reduces overall device complexity while maintaining connection stability through the spring mechanism, which is inherently simpler than threaded fastening systems.
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
Provides a safe and secure connection between exercise bar segments, preventing accidents and facilitating easy assembly/disassembly, while maintaining structural integrity under heavy loads.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded pin (230) configured to be depressed through the pin locking opening (240). The spring-loaded pin (230) includes a pin head (230A) and a spring body (230B) connected to the pin head (230A)
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly for an exercise bar having two or more pieces or segments. A first bar segment can include a female end portion. The female end portion has a connector sleeve having a channel extending at least partially through the connector sleeve; a locking opening; and a female threaded portion formed along a portion of an inside wall of the channel. A second bar segment can include a male end portion. The male end portion has a male threaded portion and a pin lock.