Multi-Tang Locking Mechanism for Freestanding Weight Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adjustable weight dumbbells lack a secure locking mechanism, leading to weight plates becoming disengaged when dropped, causing potential damage and instability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-tang locking mechanism on weight plates, comprising central and secondary tangs that secure plates both centrally and peripherally, providing enhanced resistance to disengagement and lateral forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional locking mechanisms are used in adjustable weight dumbbells, then the device allows for weight adjustment and selection, but the weight plates can become disengaged when dropped, causing damage and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking elements (first locking element and second locking element) that can engage with corresponding features on the weight plates. This segmentation allows each element to independently contribute to the overall locking security, ensuring that the weight plates remain securely attached even under impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple locking elements into a single integrated locking assembly that works together to secure the weight plates. The first locking element engages with a first feature on the weight plate while the second locking element engages with a second feature, creating a combined locking action that significantly improves reliability compared to single-point locking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If multiple locking elements are used to improve security, then the locking mechanism becomes more complex, but this complexity may affect ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is designed to perform multiple functions through its multiple locking elements. The same locking assembly structure can secure different configurations of weight plates, and the mechanism can both lock and unlock through a single operational sequence, making it universally applicable across different weight settings while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A weight plate for use in an adjustable weight set includes a weight plate member having a plate surface. A locking mechanism on the weight plate member secures the weight plate to another weight plate of the set. The locking mechanism comprises a plurality of spaced apart locking elements each being formed by at least one cut in the weight plate member. At least a portion of each locking element is displaced from the plate surface forming a slot behind the locking element. The slot receives a locking element on another weight plate of the set to secure the weight plate to the other weight plate. The locking elements are arranged relative to each other and to a centrally disposed hole in the weight plate for securely retaining the weight plate and the weight plates to each other.