Pivoting Weight Arm Trolley for Adjustable Rack Exercise Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power weight racks lack flexibility in adjusting the angle and position of weight arms, limiting the variety of exercises that can be performed and the functionality of the equipment.
Innovation Solution
A trolley assembly with a rotatable weight arm that allows for adjustable pivot angles and positions, enabling the weight arm to swing in angular paths different from the vertical path, and a position lock assembly to secure the desired angle during exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the weight arm is fixed in position to the vertical member, then the structure is simple and stable, but the flexibility in adjusting the angle and position is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The weight arm assembly transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The trolley assembly allows the weight arm to be positioned at different heights along the vertical member, and the arm bracket enables angular adjustment of the weight arm relative to the vertical member. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by providing flexibility while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight arm assembly is divided into separate functional components: the trolley assembly for vertical positioning, the arm bracket for angular adjustment, and the weight arm itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy adjustment of position and angle without requiring complex integrated mechanisms, thus improving versatility while managing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the weight arm can rotate and pivot at multiple angles, then the variety of exercises increases, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adjustability through two independent rotation mechanisms: the trolley assembly for vertical movement and the arm bracket for angular positioning. This allows users to configure the weight arm for different exercise types (vertical, angled, or horizontal) while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structures that can be easily adjusted rather than requiring complex fixed mechanisms for each exercise type.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight arm assembly is designed as a universal attachment that can perform multiple functions through simple angular and positional adjustments. The same basic structure supports vertical exercises, angled exercises, and horizontal exercises by repositioning the trolley and arm bracket, eliminating the need for multiple specialized mechanisms and reducing overall complexity while increasing exercise variety.
3Reliability
If the weight arm is locked in place, then the stability during exercise is improved, but the adjustability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. During adjustment, the trolley and arm bracket can be freely repositioned for maximum adaptability. During exercise, the locking mechanisms secure the components in place to provide stability and reliability. This dynamic switching between adjustable and locked states resolves the contradiction by providing both adjustability and stability at different operational phases.
Data Source
AI summary
A trolley assembly for a weight arm includes first and second trolley members that capture a vertical member of a weight rack and is selectively slidable. An arm bracket is configured to rotatably support the weight arm and the arm bracket is pivotably coupled to the trolley members about a pivot point. The pivot point defines a pivot axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, a position lock assembly includes an engagement pin supported on the arm bracket remote from the pivot point and a guide plate defining two or more pin receivers. The position lock assembly defines a pivot angle of the arm bracket around the pivot axis relative to the trolley members.