Reconfigurable Weight Training Apparatus with Segmented Pockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weight training apparatuses with traditional weighted elements are cumbersome, difficult to transport, and costly due to their weight and size, and existing refillable options like dumbbells and sandbags are either space-consuming or hard to manipulate during exercises.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable weight training apparatus with multiple flexible pockets that can be rearranged to a compact form for easy transport and storage, allowing for selective addition of weighted material, which maintains a stable shape and reduces sagging, using flowable materials like sand or metal shot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional weighted elements (metal, sand, metal shot) are used to provide resistance, then the required resistance force is achieved, but the apparatus becomes difficult to move, store and transport due to significant weight and space consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into a flexible support panel with multiple discrete pockets, allowing the weighted material to be segmented into separate compartments. This segmentation enables the pockets to be collapsed independently when empty, reducing the overall volume and weight for transport while maintaining the ability to provide sufficient resistance when filled.
Solution Approach 2:
The support panel and pockets are designed to be dynamic, transitioning between an expanded state for use and a collapsed state for transport. The flexible material allows the structure to adapt its configuration based on whether it is being used or transported, optimizing both performance and portability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If refillable weight training apparatus (dumbbells, sandbags) are used, then the apparatus can be filled at the point of use, but they remain space-consuming and difficult to manipulate during exercise due to lack of fixed shape
Solution Approach 1:
The single-volume fillable device is segmented into multiple discrete pockets within the support panel. This segmentation allows the weighted material to be contained in separate compartments, maintaining a fixed shape and structure that is easy to manipulate during exercise, while still allowing the apparatus to be filled at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pocket provides a localized containment for weighted material, creating discrete regions of weight distribution. This local quality ensures that the weighted material does not flow throughout the entire body, maintaining a stable, fixed shape that is easy to handle and manipulate during exercises.
3Shape
If multiple storage compartments are used to control the shape when filled, then the apparatus maintains a stable form with localized weighted material, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel and pockets are constructed from flexible material that can be collapsed and rolled into a compact configuration. This flexible construction simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to create multiple storage compartments for controlling the shape when filled, reducing the complexity compared to rigid multi-compartment designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A weight training apparatus (1) is reconfigurable between an open configuration and a compact configuration in which the apparatus is packed into a smaller form than in the open configuration. The apparatus comprises a plurality of storage compartments (18) configured to removably receive and retain a flowable weighted material to selectively increase the weight of the apparatus. The storage compartments (18) are movable relative to each other and are shaped and arranged to enable the apparatus (1) to be reconfigured to the compact configuration in a filled condition in which the storage compartments (18) contain weighted material. The apparatus (1) may be configured in the compact configuration without weighted material within the pockets (18) for transport or storage.