Quick Disconnect Connection Assembly for Exercise Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise apparatus connection assemblies for user-gripped handles to resistance-bearing cables are often complex and time-consuming to detach and reattach, requiring tools and multiple steps, which hinders user convenience and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly featuring a barrel with a hook portion for the handle and a trap portion for the cable, along with a user-grippable collar that slides between locking and release positions, facilitated by a biasing member like a compression spring, allowing for quick and tool-free detachment and reattachment of the handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional connection assembly with multiple set screws and collars is used, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the detachment and reattachment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a barrel portion with a slot for the handle, a cable receiving portion with a ball socket for the cable, and a collar that moves between locking and release positions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling quick tool-free detachment while maintaining secure connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed to be movable between a first axial position (locking position) that secures the handle and a second axial position (release position) that allows detachment. This dynamic positioning mechanism enables the connection assembly to transition from a secure locked state to a easily detachable state without requiring tools, resolving the contradiction between connection security and detachment speed.
2Reliability
If a traditional connection assembly requiring tools is used, then the connection is secure, but the ease of operation for quick detachment and reattachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The collar incorporates a user-grippable portion that allows the user to directly manipulate and move the collar between locking and release positions without requiring external tools. The compression spring automatically provides the necessary force to maintain the locking position and assists in the release mechanism, making the entire operation self-service and tool-free, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the connection components. By gripping the user-grippable portion of the collar, the user can control the locking and release functions without directly manipulating the handle or cable, simplifying the operation and making quick detachment easy while maintaining secure connection during exercise.
3Ease of operation
If a simple connection mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like compression spring and movable collar
Solution Approach 1:
The collar combines multiple functions into a single component: it acts as a retainer, a positioning mechanism, and a user interface all in one. The compression spring is integrated within the barrel structure, and the collar's movement simultaneously controls both the handle retention and cable retention. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed compared to traditional designs with multiple set screws and separate locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar serves multiple purposes: it retains the handle in the locked position, controls the release mechanism, and provides a user-grippable interface. The compression spring provides both locking force and release assistance. This multi-functionality allows the connection assembly to achieve tool-free quick detachment without requiring a large number of separate components, balancing ease of operation with acceptable device complexity.
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
Enables simple, effective, and quick detachment and reattachment of the user-gripped handle to the resistance-bearing cable, enhancing user convenience and reducing maintenance time without the need for tools.
Implementation Method 1
A second collar is provided around the barrel and is axially slidable along the barrel between a first axial position retaining engagement of the handle and hook portion, and a second axial position releasing and enabling disengagement of the handle from the hook portion of the barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A quick disconnect and re-connect system is provided for exercise apparatus having a connection assembly for connecting a user-gripped handle to a resistance-bearing cable.