Selectorized Dumbbell Triangular Handle Weight Cavity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing selectorized dumbbells with a nesting doll approach for add-on weights inefficiently use interior space, limiting maximum weight and causing rattling noise due to tolerance requirements.

Innovation Solution

A selectorized dumbbell design with a handle assembly featuring vertically stacked weights that fill the cavity using tongue and groove interconnections and a repositionable connecting pin for weight selection, ensuring maximum weight utilization and noise reduction through a triangular cross-sectional shape and sound-dampening materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If nesting doll approach is used for add-on weights, then cost effectiveness is improved, but interior space utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost effectivenessVSAvoidinterior space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nesting principle by placing multiple weight plates inside the handle housing, where each weight plate can be inserted through the handle and stacked vertically. The connecting pin mechanism allows selective engagement with different weight plates, enabling a single handle to accommodate multiple weight options in a nested configuration, thus improving space utilization while maintaining cost effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If nesting doll approach is used for add-on weights, then weight adjustability is improved, but maximum weight capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight adjustabilityVSAvoidmaximum weight capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The weight system is segmented into multiple individual weight plates that can be independently selected and combined. Each weight plate is a discrete unit that can be engaged or disengaged from the handle using the connecting pin, allowing users to segment the total weight capacity into adjustable increments. This segmentation enables both weight adjustability and maximizes the use of interior space to achieve higher maximum weight capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting pin is designed as a movable, selectively repositionable component that can be inserted at different positions to engage different weight plates. This dynamic mechanism allows the weight configuration to be changed on-demand, providing adaptability while the fixed interior housing structure maximizes the potential weight capacity when fully loaded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If tolerance requirements are relaxed for nesting, then ease of assembly is improved, but noise generation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidrattling noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting pin acts as an intermediary component that secures the weight plates to the handle housing. By providing a positive mechanical engagement through the pin, the system eliminates the need for tight tolerance nesting to prevent movement. The pin mediates between the weight plates and handle, ensuring they remain securely connected without requiring precision nesting, thus reducing rattling noise while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Weight of moving object

If weights are vertically stacked to fill cavity, then weight capacity is improved, but stability during exercise deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight capacityVSAvoidstability during exercise

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The handle housing is designed with a curved, ergonomic shape that cradles the vertically stacked weight plates. The curved interior surfaces of the housing provide lateral support to the weights, preventing them from shifting or rotating during exercise. This curvature distributes the weights evenly within the cavity and maintains stable center of gravity, ensuring stability during exercise while maximizing weight capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS10035037B2Selectorized dumbbell having kettlebell style handle

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 POWERBLOCK HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

A selectorized dumbbell incorporates a handle assembly that includes a generally triangularly shaped handle housing having an upwardly extending loop style handle in the manner of a kettlebell handle. The handle housing has angled side walls that provide surfaces on which the user's forearm can rest when doing certain exercises. The handle housing is hollow inside. Various add-on weights are vertically stacked on top of another inside the handle housing. The weights are nested together to prevent sliding relative to one another by tongue and groove and pin and hole interconnections. A repositionable connecting pin can be placed into different positions on the handle housing to selectively couple a desired number of the add-on weights to the handle housing.