Rig-Mounted Jerk Block for Space-Efficient Weight Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional jerk blocks are cumbersome, heavy, and space-intensive, limiting gyms to a single setup due to floor space constraints, cost, and storage issues, while also posing a risk of injury to athletes lifting at high percentages.

Innovation Solution

A compact jerk block system comprising a platform for weight plates, a rig connector for mounting to a rig support, and a lock to secure the block in place, allowing the barbell to be supported solely by weight plates without direct contact with the rig, enabling adjustable height and space-efficient use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional jerk blocks are used to support heavy weights and provide adjustable height, then lifting functionality is achieved, but floor space consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable height functionalityVSAvoidfloor space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The jerk block system transitions from ground-supported three-dimensional structures to rig-supported suspended platforms, utilizing the vertical dimension and existing rig infrastructure to reduce floor space occupation while maintaining height adjustability through rig connector positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If conventional jerk blocks are designed to receive several hundred pounds of force, then weight support capability is achieved, but device weight and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight support capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the weight support function from the jerk block structure itself and transfers it to the rig support system, allowing the jerk block to be a lighter platform that relies on the rig's structural strength to bear heavy loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rig support system serves multiple functions: it provides structural strength for heavy weights, enables height adjustment through connectors, and eliminates the need for separate ground-supported platforms, consolidating multiple functions into a single system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple jerk block setups are procured to meet training demands, then training versatility is improved, but cost and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining versatilityVSAvoidnumber of setups

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The rig-supported jerk block system serves multiple training purposes through single setup: adjustable heights for different exercise levels, multiple platforms for simultaneous users, and integration with existing rig infrastructure, eliminating the need for multiple separate setups

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11541268B2Jerk block, jerk block set up, and method of using the jerk block set up

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 AUERBACH JOSHUA

AI summary

Provided is a jerk block having a platform sized and constructed to hold a plurality of weight plates, a rig connector for removably mounting the platform to a rig support having plurality of holes, and a lock constructed to removably lock or clamp the jerk block in place using at least one of the holes on the rig support. Also provided is a jerk block assembly having two jerk blocks mounted on two rig supports, and a method of using the jerk block assembly to workout lifting weights in which the barbell is only supported on the rig by the weight plates contacting the platforms.