Retractable Exercise Rack Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home exercise equipment, such as exercise racks, often requires significant space and can be hazardous due to their permanent installation, which limits space utilization and increases the risk of accidents when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A retractable exercise rack system comprising first and second support members that can adjust between a retracted position against a wall and an extended position, utilizing linkages, scissor connectors, or arms to securely attach to the wall and allow for easy conversion between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exercise rack is permanently installed, then stability and reliability are improved, but space utilization deteriorates and safety hazards increase when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise rack is designed with movable support members that can transition between extended and retracted positions through linkage mechanisms, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt its footprint from a stable extended configuration to a compact retracted configuration against the wall, resolving the contradiction between stability and space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The exercise rack is divided into separable components including support members, linkages, and wall mounting structures that can be independently positioned and secured, enabling the rack to be segmented into a compact form when retracted while maintaining structural integrity when extended
2Stability of the object's composition
If exercise rack is permanently installed, then structural stability is improved, but safety hazards increase due to trip risks and injury risks
Solution Approach 1:
The rack transitions from a permanent fixed installation to a dynamic movable structure that can be retracted against the wall when not in use, eliminating trip hazards and injury risks while maintaining structural stability during exercise through its extended configuration and secure wall attachment
3Adaptability or versatility
If exercise rack is extended, then functionality is improved, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise rack employs movable support members connected through linkage mechanisms that enable smooth transitions between extended functional positions and retracted compact positions, allowing the structure to provide full exercise functionality when extended while minimizing space consumption when retracted against the wall
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
The system efficiently secures the exercise rack against the wall when not in use, maximizing space and reducing the risk of accidents by keeping the equipment compact and out of the way.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of linkages are pivotably connected at a first end to one of a plurality of brackets secured to the wall and slidably connected at a second end to one of the support members
Implementation Method 2
slidably connected
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of scissor connectors are pivotably connected between the support members and the wall
Implementation Method 4
slidably connected
Implementation Method 5
pivotably connected
Implementation Method 6
Latches and strikers may be utilized to releasably lock the first and second support members in the extended and/or retracted positions
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable exercise rack system for efficiently securing an exercise rack against or near a wall when the exercise rack is not in use. The retractable exercise rack system may thus be adjustable between a retracted position against or near the wall, and an extended position which is distally-positioned with respect to the wall. The retractable exercise rack system generally includes a first support member a second support member, with an exercise bar connected between the support members. Wall mounts may be secured to the wall, with the first and second support members being adjustably connected to the wall mounts by linkages, scissor connectors, or arms. Latches and strikers may be utilized to releasably lock the support members in the extended and/or retracted positions. One or both of the support members may include a button for releasing the latches from the strikers.