Segmented Weight Plate for Incremental Resistance Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed-weight dumbbells and similar devices lack the ability to adjust weight in finer increments, as traditional weight plates cannot be attached over the bar, and magnetic attachments are often hindered by non-magnetized coatings, limiting users' ability to incrementally increase resistance.
Innovation Solution
A weight plate design comprising a male and female section that connects around a bar or handle, allowing side-on insertion and secure attachment using magnets or a fastening mechanism, enabling incremental weight adjustments without requiring end insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional weight plates are used with fixed-weight dumbbells, then the dumbbells maintain their structural integrity and coating, but weight adjustment in fine increments is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The weight plate is divided into two separate sections (first section and second section) that can be attached independently to the dumbbell handle from opposite directions, enabling fine weight adjustments without requiring end insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment method transitions from end-on insertion (traditional) to side-on attachment, allowing the plate sections to wrap around the dumbbell handle in a different spatial dimension, making it compatible with fixed-weight dumbbells that have non-magnetized coatings
2Ease of operation
If magnetic plates are used for attachment, then quick weight changes are enabled, but non-magnetized coatings on modern dumbbells prevent magnetic attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The weight plate is segmented into two sections that attach via mechanical interlocking (male and female sections) rather than magnetic attachment, allowing compatibility with non-magnetized coatings while still enabling quick weight changes
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female sections act as intermediaries that mechanically connect to the dumbbell handle and to each other, replacing the need for direct magnetic attachment and enabling compatibility with non-magnetic surfaces
3Measurement precision
If multiple fixed-weight dumbbells are purchased to achieve fine weight increments, then weight progression in 2.5 lbs increments is possible, but the cost and equipment quantity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The weight plate is divided into two sections that can be attached to existing dumbbells, allowing a single dumbbell to serve multiple weight configurations (e.g., 5 lbs, 7.5 lbs, 10 lbs) instead of requiring separate dumbbells for each weight increment
Solution Approach 2:
The two-section weight plate design makes a single dumbbell multi-functional, allowing it to be used with different weight configurations by attaching or removing plate sections, thereby reducing the total number of dumbbells needed in the set
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
Enables users to increase weight resistance in smaller increments, reducing the need for multiple dumbbells and providing a cost-effective solution by allowing 2.5 lbs increments with existing 5 lbs fixed-weight dumbbells, and can be used with various progressive resistive products.
Implementation Method 1
The sections may also use magnets to further secure the at least two sections to one another and in place on the bar
Data Source
AI summary
A weight plate that is comprised of multiple parts that connect to each other around the handle of a progressive resistive device.