Exercise Equipment Adapter With Hinge And Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exercise equipment adapters, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,841, are inadequate as they rely solely on a locking mechanism to secure the dumbbell handle, increasing the risk of injury due to gravity and inertial forces, and are not versatile for use with different types of exercise equipment.

Innovation Solution

An exercise equipment adapter featuring a hinge connection and locking mechanism that securely mates two enclosure portions, forming a cavity to accommodate various handle sizes and types, with a handle connected to at least one of the enclosures, and optional half-cylinder inserts for secure fastening of smaller diameters, providing a safer and more versatile solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a locking mechanism is used to secure the dumbbell handle, then the adapter can function as both a dumbbell and a kettlebell, but the downward force of gravity and inertial forces are directed entirely through the locking mechanism, increasing the risk of injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedumbbell and kettlebell functionalityVSAvoidinjury risk from concentrated forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into an upper body and a lower body as separate structural elements. The upper body includes a upper enclosure portion and the lower body includes a lower enclosure portion, with the handlebar positioned between them. This segmentation distributes the structural load across multiple components rather than concentrating it in a single locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Spring locks are introduced as intermediary elements between the upper and lower bodies. These spring locks engage with the handlebar and provide a cushioning, flexible connection that distributes forces more evenly throughout the adapter structure, reducing the stress concentration that would occur with a rigid locking mechanism alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the upper and lower bodies are connected only by the locking mechanism, then the structure is simplified, but the secure locking mechanism must bear all gravitational and inertial forces, creating a single point of failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidsecurity of handlebar attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the adapter are given different structural qualities. The upper and lower enclosure portions provide rigid structural support, while the spring locks provide flexible, cushioning engagement. This local differentiation of structural properties allows the system to maintain simplicity while distributing forces across components with optimized local characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Spring locks are used to provide beforehand cushioning in the connection between the upper and lower bodies. The spring mechanism is pre-configured to absorb and distribute impact forces and gravitational loads, preventing sudden stress concentration that would occur with a purely rigid connection, thereby enhancing reliability without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If the adapter is designed solely for dumbbell use, then the design is simpler, but it lacks versatility for other exercise equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with exercise equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple types of exercise equipment. The upper and lower enclosure portions are shaped to accommodate various handlebar configurations, and the spring lock mechanism is designed to engage with different equipment types. This allows a single adapter design to serve multiple purposes including dumbbell conversion to kettlebell mode and compatibility with other exercise equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9731159B2Exercise equipment adapter

Publication Date: 2017.08.15 RARE ELECTRONICS LLC

AI summary

An exercise equipment adapter includes a first enclosure portion having a first divot portion and a second enclosure portion having a second divot portion. A hinge connection connects the first and second enclosure portions, the hinge connection arranging the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are mated to each other, forming an enclosure, and the first and second divot portions forming a cavity. A locking mechanism is configured to lock first enclosure to the second closure in the closed position and a handle is connected to at least one of the first and second enclosure portions.