Selectorized Dumbbell Nested Weight Assembly for Tool-Free Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing selectorized dumbbells are difficult to disassemble and reassemble, making them cumbersome for users to transport and store, and require tools for assembly, limiting their portability and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A selectorized dumbbell design featuring nested weights with a novel connection system between weight plates and interconnecting members, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly, and a compact carrying case for easy transport and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing selectorized dumbbells use traditional connection methods, then the dumbbell provides stable weight selection functionality, but the dumbbell becomes difficult to disassemble and reassemble, requiring tools and limiting portability
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct components: a connection element with a head portion and a shaft portion, and a corresponding opening in the weight plate. This segmentation allows the connection element to be independently manipulated and inserted into the weight plate opening, enabling tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element acts as an intermediary component between the weight plate opening and the rail. The head portion engages with the opening while the shaft portion extends into the rail, mediating the connection between these two components. This intermediary design enables easy attachment and detachment without requiring tools, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the dumbbell is designed as a single integrated unit, then it provides stable and reliable weight selection, but it becomes cumbersome to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The dumbbell is segmented into separable components: weight plates, connection elements, and rails. Each weight plate can be independently attached to or removed from the rails by manipulating the connection elements. This segmentation enables the dumbbell to be transported in a disassembled state, improving portability while maintaining assembly stability through the reliable connection element opening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The connection elements can be inserted into and removed from the weight plate openings, allowing the dumbbell configuration to change between assembled and disassembled states. This dynamic capability enables easy transport while maintaining stable operation when assembled.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional permanent connection methods are used, then the dumbbell structure remains stable during use, but the dumbbell cannot be easily disassembled for storage or customization
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into a connection element with distinct head and shaft portions, and a corresponding opening in the weight plate. This segmentation allows different numbers and configurations of weight plates to be attached to the rails, enabling customization of dumbbell weight and configuration. The segmented design maintains structural stability while providing adaptability, resolving the contradiction between customizability and connection mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element and opening design serves multiple functions: it provides stable mechanical connection during exercise, enables easy tool-free assembly and disassembly, and allows for customizable weight plate configuration. This multi-functional design achieves adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity, as the same basic connection structure accomplishes multiple objectives.
Data Source
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AI summary
A selectorized dumbbell includes a horizontal stack of nested left weight plates and a horizontal stack of spaced right weight plates with the stacks being separated by a gap into which a handle may be inserted. A selector is movable into different positions relative to the handle to vary how many nested left and right weight plates from the stacks thereof are coupled to the handle to vary the exercise mass of the handle. Each left weight plate has a counterpart right weight plate counterpart which are coupled together by at least one interconnecting member having a first keyhole slot connection between the left end of the interconnecting member and the left weight plate and a second keyhole slot connection between the right end of the interconnecting member and the right weight plate.