Pivoting Weight Bar Structure for Safe Free-Range Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weight training equipment, such as Smith machines and free weights, either limit muscle training to specific groups or pose safety risks due to instability and the need for a spotter.
Innovation Solution
A weight lifting device with a pivotable handle bar connected to weight holding means in a housing, allowing for various movements and safety features like locking mechanisms to prevent accidental drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If free weights are used for training, then all muscles can be trained including stabilizer muscles, but there is a risk of dropping weights and injuring the user
Solution Approach 1:
The weight lifting device separates the stabilizing function (handled by the fixed guide structure and user's stabilizer muscles) from the lifting function (handled by the barbell and weights). This segmentation allows free weight training benefits while reducing safety risks through the guided movement path that prevents uncontrolled dropping.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure acts as an intermediary between complete free weights and fixed Smith machines. It provides a controlled movement path that mediates between the instability of free weights and the over-constraint of Smith machines, allowing natural muscle engagement while preventing dangerous uncontrolled movements.
2Reliability
If a Smith machine is used for safe weight training, then the risk of dropping weights is eliminated, but the structure limits movements to pre-defined trajectories
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure provides constraint only in the lateral direction (preventing side-to-side movement), while allowing full freedom in the vertical lifting direction and rotational movement. This local application of constraint maintains safety without limiting the natural lifting trajectory and muscle engagement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from static fixed guidance (Smith machine) to dynamic guided movement where the barbell can rotate and move naturally within the guide structure. This dynamic approach adapts to the user's movement patterns while maintaining safety boundaries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If free weights are used, then natural movement patterns are allowed, but stabilizer muscles must compensate for instability reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the energy expenditure between stabilizer muscles (which maintain balance within the guided structure) and prime mover muscles (which perform the lifting). This reduces the energy burden on stabilizer muscles compared to free weights while preserving natural movement patterns.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is weight lifting device (100) comprising a housing (102, 412) having first frame (106) having first vertical channel (110) for accommodating first weight holding means (114, 204, 404, 504), and second frame (108, 300) having second vertical channel (112, 312) for accommodating second weight holding means (116, 206, 406, 506), wherein first vertical channel and second vertical channel are dimensioned so that first weight holding means and second weight holding means can move up and down, when in use, in first vertical channel and second vertical channel, respectively. The weight lifting device also comprises handle bar (104, 216, 302, 402, 502, 602) pivotably connectable to first weight holding means and to second weight holding means from first end (104A, 216A, 502A) of handle bar and second end (104B, 216B, 502B, 602B) of handle bar, respectively. The weight lifting device further comprises at least one of: first holding bar (208, 508), second holding bar (210, 306, 510, 604), first pivotable arm (120, 212, 408), and second pivotable arm (122, 214, 304, 410), arranged between pivotably connectable handle bar and first weight holding means and second weight holding means.