Retractable Wall Bench with Segmented Pivoting Joints

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional weightlifting benches are large, require significant storage space, and are cumbersome due to their heavy metal construction, posing challenges for smaller gyms and home setups where space is limited and mobility is essential.

Innovation Solution

A retractable wall-mountable inclinable bench system with a mounting bracket, pivotally connected segments, and a latching system that allows the bench to fold against the wall for compact storage and extend outward for use, featuring adjustable inclines for various exercises.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional weightlifting benches are constructed with heavy metal materials for strength and stability, then the bench can support weightlifting exercises, but the bench becomes difficult and cumbersome to move around the gym

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bench is divided into multiple segments (seat portion, backrest portion, leg portions) that can be independently positioned and folded. This segmentation allows the bench to maintain structural strength during use while enabling compact folding for easy mobility and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bench incorporates movable joints and pivot points that allow dynamic transformation between extended use positions and folded storage positions. This dynamic design enables the bench to adapt its configuration, providing stability during exercise and ease of movement during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional weightlifting benches are designed with full-size seating and support structures, then the bench provides adequate support for weightlifting exercises, but the bench requires significant storage space when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise support functionalityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bench is divided into multiple segments (seat portion, backrest portion, leg portions) that can be independently positioned and folded. This segmentation allows the bench to maintain structural strength during use while enabling compact folding for easy mobility and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bench transitions from a two-dimensional extended configuration during use to a compact three-dimensional folded configuration for storage. By utilizing vertical space and folding segments against the wall, the bench minimizes its horizontal footprint while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional weightlifting benches are designed as fixed structures for stability during exercises, then the bench provides stable support, but the bench cannot be easily repositioned or stored in limited spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidrepositionability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bench incorporates movable joints and pivot points that allow dynamic transformation between extended use positions and folded storage positions. This dynamic design enables the bench to adapt its configuration, providing stability during exercise and ease of movement during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bench is divided into multiple segments (seat portion, backrest portion, leg portions) that can be independently positioned and folded. This segmentation allows the bench to maintain structural strength during use while enabling compact folding for easy mobility and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides a space-efficient and portable solution for weightlifting, allowing for multiple exercise positions while minimizing storage requirements and facilitating easy movement, addressing the limitations of traditional benches.

Implementation Method 1

The first segment is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket at or near its rear end portion. The second segment is pivotally connected at or near its rear end portion to the first segment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS11771945B2Retractable wall mountable inclinable bench system

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 PRX PERFORMANCE LLC

AI summary

An inclinable bench system for exercise that is attachable to a wall with a mounting bracket, is extendable outwardly from the wall when in use, and is retractable towards the wall when not in use. The inclinable bench generally includes a torso portion and a seat portion on a support segment, latches for selectively latching the bench to the support segment in a first position with the torso and seat portions parallel for extension and retraction, latches for latching the bench in a plurality of selected second positions with the torso and seat portions inclined, and latch operators for operating the latches for the bench to move between the first and second positions. The seat portion is movably supported on a two-level rail and as the bench is moved between the first and second positions the seat portion is automatically inclined.