Removable Weightlifting Assistance Device With Locking Gas Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weightlifting assistance devices are often integrated with the rack, require external power sources, and lack flexibility in activation methods, limiting their usability and availability.
Innovation Solution
A weightlifting assistance device that can be removably attached to a squat rack, utilizing a locking gas spring activated by the barbell force, with a release pin mechanism to store and release mechanical energy for counterforce assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If weightlifting assistance devices are integrated with the rack and require external power sources, then the device can provide automated assistance, but the device complexity and dependency on external power increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring mechanism is self-activating through the barbell's own weight and movement. As the barbell descends, it compresses the gas spring, which automatically stores potential energy. When the barbell needs to be lifted, the gas spring releases this stored energy to provide upward assistance, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex powered mechanical systems (motors, hydraulics, electronics) with a simple passive mechanical system based on gas spring energy storage and release. This substitution maintains the assistance function while dramatically reducing device complexity and eliminating external power dependencies.
2Stability of the object's composition
If weightlifting assistance devices are integrated with the rack, then the device provides stable support, but the adaptability and ease of installation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The assistance device is designed as a separable module that can be independently attached to or removed from the rack. The gas spring mechanism and barbell holder form a self-contained unit that interfaces with standard rack structures, allowing the device to be configured on different racks without permanent integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that work with various rack configurations. The coupling mechanism accommodates different rack structures while maintaining stable support, and the device can be positioned at multiple heights along the rack to adapt to different exercise requirements and user preferences.
3Ease of operation
If weightlifting assistance devices require foot activation, then the device can be controlled during exercise, but the ease of operation and availability of assistance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring mechanism operates autonomously without requiring user activation. The barbell's downward movement automatically compresses and charges the gas spring, and the spring's release provides assistance automatically when needed. This eliminates the need for foot pedals, hand switches, or any other activation mechanism that could fail or require user attention.
4Productivity
If weightlifting assistance devices use complex activation mechanisms, then the device can provide controlled assistance, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex activation mechanisms (foot pedals, hand switches, electronic controls) with a simple passive mechanical system. The gas spring provides controlled assistance through its inherent mechanical properties - the spring rate and pre-load are designed to provide the desired assistance force, eliminating the need for complex control systems while maintaining productivity.
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
Provides reliable, self-spotting assistance without external power, preventing barbell drops and aiding weightlifters in completing exercises by compensating weight forces.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring, wherein one or more linear guide bushings are locked into the base on one side, and extend parallelly toward the connector
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a locking gas spring activated by the barbell force, with a release pin mechanism to store and release mechanical energy for counterforce assistance
Implementation Method 3
a release pin configured to activate a valve mechanism via force exerted to the release pin, and the force being transmitted via a valve actuator towards the valve to lock or unlock the locking gas spring
Implementation Method 4
one or more linear guide bushings are locked into the base on one side, and extend parallelly toward the connector, where all guide bushings end; each linear guide, which emerges from the corresponding liner guide bushing, ends connected to the top
Data Source
AI summary
A weightlifting assistance device for mounting on a rack, where the device weightlifting assistance 10 can comprise a base, a connector, a top, fixation frames, a fixer or coupler to affix or couple the weightlifting assistance device to the rack, a locking gas spring, and one or more guides and corresponding bushing. The top, which can be movable, can be equipped with slidable inserted barbell holder fixed thereto via a dedicated lock or locks. The force exerted to the barbell holder can unlock previously stored mechanical energy within the locking gas spring and can enable the weightlifting assistance device to produce counterforce to the applied outer force.