Polymeric Supporting Insert for Weight Carriage Impact Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Weightlifting machines face risks of damage and user harm due to dropped weights or unsupported loads, as existing systems lack adequate safety measures to mitigate these issues.

Innovation Solution

A weightlifting machine attachment featuring a mounting bracket, arm, and supporting insert that securely engages the carriage to prevent downward movement and support the weight, utilizing a polymeric material for the insert to reduce friction and impact, and is designed to be easily integrated with various weightlifting machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If larger quantities of weights are lifted, then the weightlifting capacity is improved, but the risk for damage to the machine and harm to the user is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweightlifting capacityVSAvoidmachine safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a supporting insert made of polymeric material between the carriage and the carriage support. This insert acts as a cushioning element that absorbs impact forces and prevents direct contact between the carriage and support structure, thereby reducing the risk of machine damage and user harm when larger weights are lifted or when weights are dropped.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting insert serves as an intermediary element positioned between the carriage and the carriage support. This intermediary component mediates the interaction between the moving carriage and the stationary support structure, absorbing shock and preventing direct force transmission that could cause damage to either component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If weights are dropped or become unsupported, then the weightlifting exercise can be completed, but damage to the machine and harm to the user occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise completionVSAvoidmachine damage and user harm

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting insert is positioned in advance to provide cushioning protection before weights are dropped or become unsupported. The polymeric material absorbs impact forces, preventing direct contact between the carriage and support structure, thereby reducing machine damage and user harm while allowing the exercise to be completed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful impact forces generated when weights are dropped into beneficial cushioning action. The polymeric supporting insert absorbs these impact forces and dissipates them safely, transforming what would be damaging forces into a controlled energy absorption process that protects both the machine and user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If a supporting structure is added to prevent carriage movement, then machine safety is improved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarriage support safetyVSAvoidattachment structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure is segmented into distinct components: a mounting bracket for attachment to the carriage support, an arm with side walls, and a separate supporting insert. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier installation and maintenance while providing the necessary safety function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting insert is made from polymeric material that can be easily replaced if worn or damaged. This approach uses a relatively simple, inexpensive component that provides effective protection during its service life and can be quickly replaced without significant cost or complexity, thereby reducing the overall complexity burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The attachment ensures safe and stable operation by preventing damage to the machine and harm to the user, allowing for the use of larger weights while minimizing torque and impact on the carriage, thus enhancing safety and durability.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a polymeric material for the insert to reduce friction and impact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction through polymeric material: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20240293722A1Weightlifting Machine Attachment

Publication Date: 2024.09.05 COULTER VENTURES LLC

AI summary

A weightlifting machine attachment configured to provide support a weight carriage that moves on a carriage support. The weightlifting machine attachment may include a mounting bracket that attaches to a weightlifting machine that comprises a weight carriage and a carriage support. The attachment also includes an arm, where the arm has a rear wall and two arm side walls extending forward from the rear wall forming an interior cavity. A supporting insert may be mounted to the arm and received in the interior cavity, where the supporting insert comprises a supporting surface configured to engage the carriage to support the carriage in a resting position.