Quick-Release Dumbbell Locking Structure for Fast Weight Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dumbbells with adjustable weights require time-consuming adjustments due to the need to rotate multiple locking shafts to replace counterweights.

Innovation Solution

A dumbbell with a quick release structure featuring engagement assemblies and locking elements that allow for rapid replacement of counterweights by rotating a retainer to engage or disengage the locking elements, facilitating easy weight adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional locking shafts are rotated to replace counterweights, then the counterweights can be replaced, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounterweight replacement capabilityVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static rotational locking system to a dynamic system where the retainer can be quickly moved between engaged and disengaged positions. The cam surface geometry enables the locking element to rapidly transition between locked and unlocked states, dramatically reducing the time required for counterweight replacement while maintaining secure locking when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the retainer with cam surface, the locking element with cam follower, and the locking bore. This segmentation allows the retainer to remain stationary while the locking element does the actual engaging/disengaging action, enabling faster operation compared to rotating the entire locking shaft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple locking shafts are rotated to fix counterweights, then the counterweights are securely fixed, but the operation becomes complex and troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounterweight fixation securityVSAvoidweight adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cam lifting action is extracted from the rotational motion of the locking shaft and placed into a dedicated cam mechanism. The cam surface converts a small linear movement of the locking element into a reliable locking action, separating the securing function from the operation complexity. This allows the user to simply push or pull the locking element rather than rotate multiple shafts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam surface acts as an intermediary between the locking element and the retainer. Instead of directly threading or clamping, the cam geometry mediates the locking action, providing mechanical advantage and ensuring positive engagement. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the user's interaction while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4360719B1Dumbbell with quick release structure
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 YIH AN EXNT
  • EP4360719B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4360719B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4360719B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dumbbell with a quick release structure contains: a handling assembly (10), two engagement assemblies (20), multiple counterweights (30), and two locking elements (40). The handling assembly (10) includes a handle (11). A respective one engagement assembly (20) is connected each of two ends of the handle (11) and includes a retainer (21) driven to move toward an engaging position and a disengaging position from the two ends of the handle (11). A respective one counterweight (30) includes a connection orifice (31). A respective one locking element (40) includes a screw column (41) and a head disc (42). When the retainer (21) of the respective one engagement assembly (20) is located at the engaging position, the screw column (41) is screwed with the retainer (21); when the retainer (21) of the respective one engagement assembly (20) is located at the disengaging position, the screw column (41) is removed from the retainer (21).