Modular Barbell Attachment for Dynamic Sport-Specific Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current weightlifting equipment, such as 'Jammer' machines, are expensive, occupy large spaces, and do not effectively mimic the dynamic movements required by athletes, particularly football players, failing to position athletes in a biomechanically optimal manner for sport-specific strength training.

Innovation Solution

A modular weightlifting apparatus that attaches to a barbell, allowing for detachable handles and attachments to position users' elbows and hands at optimal angles, enabling dynamic movements similar to those in football, and accommodating various sports-specific training needs by allowing free range of motion and attachment of bands, ropes, or chains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional weightlifting equipment like 'Jammer' machines are used, then athletes can perform strength training, but the equipment occupies large spaces and costs expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength training effectivenessVSAvoidequipment space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into separable components: a receiver that attaches to a barbell and detachable handles or attachments. This segmentation allows the equipment to be stored disassembled, significantly reducing space requirements while maintaining full functionality when assembled for training

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver can accommodate multiple types of handles and attachments, allowing a single piece of equipment to provide various strength training exercises. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized machines, reducing overall equipment space and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional weightlifting equipment is used, then strength training can be performed, but the equipment does not effectively mimic dynamic movements required by athletes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength training effectivenessVSAvoidmovement pattern replication
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus enables dynamic, unrestricted movements by attaching to a barbell rather than being fixed on a track. Athletes can perform natural, sport-specific movement patterns with free range of motion, effectively mimicking football and other athletic movements while maintaining training effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different handles and attachments can be swapped on the receiver to change the exercise parameters and movement patterns. This allows the equipment to adapt to various sports-specific training needs and mimic different athletic movements by simply changing the attachment configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional weightlifting equipment is used, then strength training can be provided, but the equipment does not position athletes in a biomechanically optimal manner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength training effectivenessVSAvoidbiomechanical positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Specific handles and attachments are designed with particular geometries and grip configurations to position the athlete's hands, elbows, and body segments in biomechanically optimal positions for specific exercises. Each attachment is optimized for its intended movement pattern, ensuring proper form and maximum training effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11617913B2Exercise apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.04.04 ANDERSON JERROD DANIEL
  • US11617913B2 patent drawing
  • US11617913B2 patent drawing
  • US11617913B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An exemplary first apparatus includes a cylindrical sleeve that attaches to a rod such as a barbell. The first apparatus also includes a arcuate portion that connects to a handle to allow the handle to move to and be secured at various user selected angles. An exemplary second apparatus is a core training device that includes a pair of rotatable handles and a number of connectors that allow for additional resistance to be added a different points on the device.