Modular Weight Base With Quick-Lock Accessories for Compact Workouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exercise equipment is limited in versatility, often requiring fixed connections and multiple units of varying weights, leading to cluttered spaces and increased costs, with potential user safety hazards from protruding components.
Innovation Solution
A modular exercise apparatus with a central weight base and interchangeable accessories, including U-shaped handles, T-shaped bars, and EZ bars, allowing for customizable workouts and secure, removable connections using dovetail mounts and locking pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional exercise equipment uses fixed connections and multiple units of varying weights, then weight stability is ensured, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal base unit with standardized mounting interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of weight plates and exercise accessories. The base unit serves multiple functions: it provides a stable weight platform, accepts conventional weight plates through standardized passages, and allows attachment of various exercise handles and accessories through dovetail mounts, eliminating the need for multiple separate equipment units
Solution Approach 2:
The exercise equipment is divided into modular components: a central base unit, removable weight plates, and interchangeable exercise accessories (handles, bars, etc.). Each component can be independently selected, attached, or removed based on workout requirements, allowing users to configure different exercise setups from a single base unit while maintaining stability through the standardized mounting system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple units of varying weights are used, then weight variety is achieved, but loss of space and increased cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal base unit replaces multiple separate weight equipment units by providing standardized weight plate passages that accept various weight plate configurations. Users can achieve weight variety by stacking different numbers and combinations of weight plates on one base unit, eliminating the need to store multiple separate dumbbells or weight machines of different weights
Solution Approach 2:
Weight plates are stacked vertically on the base unit in a nested arrangement, with each plate fitting onto the central passage of the base or underlying plates. This vertical stacking approach allows multiple weight values to be achieved within the footprint of a single base unit, dramatically reducing the space required compared to having separate equipment for each weight level
3Reliability
If conventional weight plates are used with threaded bars and nuts, then secure mounting is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from static threaded connections to a dynamic quick-attach mechanism using dovetail mounts and locking pins. The dovetail shape provides mechanical interlocking for secure mounting, while the removable locking pin allows rapid attachment and detachment of accessories without threading operations, making the system both secure and easy to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The time-consuming threading and unthreading operations are extracted from the mounting process and replaced by a simplified pin-based locking mechanism. The essential security function is maintained through the dovetail mechanical interlock, while the operational complexity of threading is removed, allowing users to quickly change accessories by simply inserting or removing the locking pin
4Reliability
If protruding tube locking pins are used, then accessory security is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding locking pin, which initially appears to be a safety hazard, is converted into a beneficial feature by designing it as a controlled safety mechanism. The pin protrudes enough to engage the dovetail mount securely but is positioned and sized to avoid harmful contact with users. The system transforms the potential harm of protruding components into a benefit by providing visible, tactile confirmation of proper accessory attachment, enhancing both security and user awareness
Data Source
AI summary
Exercise apparatus and methods of making, assembly, disassembly, and use. In one embodiment, exercise apparatus has a central weight base to which one or more weight plates and one or more exercise accessories may be removably mounted. The exercise accessories can including one or more U-shaped or otherwise shaped handles, a T-lifting-bar, an EZ lifting bar, and connectors to variously connect to yet other exercise devices such as, for example, weights, straps, ropes, resistance bands, pulleys, chains, or other structure. Further, the accessories may include or be connected to structure other than the central weight base, such as one or more of the accessories identified herein. Embodiments of the present specification can be, and can be combined with other exercise systems, to provide an exercise system that provides one or more of, to all of: a more versatile, customizable, compact, space-saving, economical, portable, and effective workout system and experience.