Quick Release Weight Retaining System for Drop-Set Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional weightlifting systems disrupt the exercise rhythm and pose safety risks due to the need for additional participants to adjust weights during drop-sets, particularly in free weight exercises where muscle fatigue can lead to uncontrolled weight drops.

Innovation Solution

A quick release weight retaining system with a trigger mechanism that allows exercisers to safely reduce the load without pausing the exercise, using a weight retainer and engaging apparatus that releases weights to gravity upon trigger activation, eliminating the need for additional assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional weightlifting systems are used with manual weight adjustment, then weight reduction during drop-sets requires additional participants or self-racking, but this causes undesirable pauses and interruptions that disrupt exercise rhythm and momentum

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight adjustment operationVSAvoidpause duration during exercise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The weight retainer is pre-loaded and positioned on the barbell before exercise begins. The engaging apparatus is pre-configured to hold the weight plates in place, ready for immediate release. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for weight adjustment during exercise, as the system is already set up for quick release when the trigger is activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The weight reduction function is extracted from the manual process of removing weight plates and transformed into an automated trigger-based release mechanism. The engaging apparatus separates the weight retention function from the weight adjustment operation, allowing weights to be released independently without manual intervention or disruption to the exercise flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If free weights are used without assistance during exercises like bench press or squat, then exerciser autonomy is improved, but safety risks increase when muscles fatigue and uncontrolled weight drops may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolo exercise capabilityVSAvoidinjury risk from uncontrolled weight drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging apparatus is designed to prevent uncontrolled weight drops by providing a controlled release mechanism. The trigger system creates a counter-action to gravity's pull on the weights, allowing the exerciser to maintain control even when fatigued. The weight retainer system anticipates potential failure by providing a safety mechanism that prevents the harmful effect of uncontrolled weight collapse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The weight retainer system acts as an intermediary between the exerciser and the free weights. Instead of direct control of heavy weights that could cause injury upon failure, the engaging apparatus mediates the interaction by providing a controlled interface. The trigger mechanism serves as an intermediary control system that safely manages weight release, reducing the harmful effects of direct uncontrolled weight handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If additional participants are required to adjust weights during drop-sets, then weight adjustment safety is improved, but device complexity and dependency on others increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight adjustment safetyVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The weight retainer system enables self-service weight adjustment through the trigger mechanism. The exerciser can independently release weights by activating the trigger without requiring assistance from spotter or training partner. The engaging apparatus is designed to be operated by the exerciser themselves, transforming a previously assistant-dependent task into a self-managed function while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 safe and uninterrupted weight reduction during exercises, enhancing safety and maintaining exercise rhythm by allowing solo operation without additional participants, thus reducing the risk of injury and improving training effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a first trigger coupled to the first engaging apparatus configured to release the first weight when the trigger is activated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11684815B2Quick release weight retaining system

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 LARSON JOSHUA LEE

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a quick release weight retaining system configured to improve the safety and effectiveness of a resistance training routine. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a weight retainer that is removably mounted to a weight support member. The weight retainer includes an engaging apparatus that can retain and safely release a weight load during exercise. The weight is released by way of the exerciser activating a trigger. A weight can be safely and securely mounted to the weight retainer when pushed against the engaging apparatus.