Quick-Release Weight Pin With Lever Lock For One-Handed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight stack assemblies in fitness equipment require two-handed operations for secure locking and unlocking, posing operational challenges during weight adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release weight pin with a locking lever and spring mechanism allows single-handed operation, enabling secure locking and unlocking through a pivotally connected locking portion that engages with the pin rod, facilitating stable weight adjustment without interrupting training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a weight pin is used to adjust weight stack assembly, then weight adjustment is achieved, but two-handed operation is required for secure locking which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The weight pin is divided into functionally independent segments: a locking lever for manual operation, a locking portion for engagement, and a spring mechanism for automatic resetting. This segmentation allows the locking lever to be operated independently with one hand while the spring handles the automatic return, reducing the need for two-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically resetting the locking lever after weight adjustment. Once the user releases the locking lever, the spring automatically returns it to its initial position, eliminating the need for manual resetting and reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If verification of secure locked state is required, then reliability is improved, but operational time increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides immediate feedback through the mechanical engagement of the locking portion with the pin rod. When the locking lever is actuated, the locking portion visibly and tangibly engages with the pin rod, providing instant confirmation of secure locking without requiring additional verification time.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to automatically reset the locking lever after engagement. This preliminary action ensures that the locking mechanism is always ready for the next operation without requiring manual intervention to reset, reducing operational time while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If single-handed operation is enabled, then ease of operation is improved, but locking stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is designed with a curved or angled surface that complements the pin rod geometry. This curved design allows the locking portion to engage smoothly with the pin rod while maintaining stable contact, enabling single-handed operation without compromising locking stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism combines different material properties: the locking lever provides mechanical leverage, the spring provides elastic restoring force, and the locking portion provides rigid engagement. This composite approach ensures both ease of operation and locking stability through the synergistic combination of different material behaviors.
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
Enables efficient, single-handed weight adjustment in weight stack assemblies by ensuring stable weight configuration and reducing operational friction, allowing seamless transitions between resistance levels during exercises.
Implementation Method 1
A first spring positioned within said sleeve, said first spring being sleeved over said pin rod with both ends respectively abutting against said pin rod and sleeve
Implementation Method 2
A locking assembly comprising a locking lever, one end of said locking lever being pivotally connected to said sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a quick-release weight pin for weight stack assembly and a weight stack assembly incorporating the same, comprising: a sleeve, a pin rod, a first spring, and a locking assembly, wherein one end of the sleeve is provided with an internally communicating through-hole. The pin rod and the sleeve are coaxially disposed, wherein the pin rod disposed within the through-hole of the sleeve and configured to perform axial extendable and retractable movement. The first spring is disposed within the sleeve, wherein the first spring is mounted around the pin rod with both ends respectively abutting against the pin rod and the sleeve.