Smart Exercise Dumbbell with Electronic Weight Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable weight exercise devices for dumbbells lack efficient mechanisms for selecting and displaying different weight combinations, leading to user inconvenience and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A dumbbell system with a handle assembly that allows adjustable weight resistance by securing different masses, featuring sensors and an electronic display to show the total weight, and a base that prevents selector operation when the handle is not properly positioned, ensuring user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional adjustable weight mechanisms are used, then weight selection capability is provided, but user convenience and safety are compromised due to lack of real-time feedback and accidental operation risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position of weight plates and provide real-time feedback through an electronic display showing the current weight. This feedback mechanism allows users to verify weight selection and prevents accidental changes during exercise, resolving the contradiction between ease of adjustment and operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical weight selection mechanisms with an electronic system comprising sensors, microcontrollers, and display interfaces. This substitution enables more reliable and user-friendly weight adjustment while providing digital feedback and safety interlocks that prevent accidental operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple weight plates are provided for selection, then weight versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical selector mechanisms with electronic sensors and digital control systems. The sensors detect weight plate positions and the microcontroller manages weight selection logic, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or enhancing weight versatility through programmable options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and displays the selected weight through sensors that monitor weight plate positions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual selection mechanisms, as the system autonomously tracks and communicates weight configuration, reducing overall device complexity.
3Loss of information
If electronic sensors and displays are added, then user feedback and safety are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces information-deficient mechanical systems with electronic sensors and displays that provide continuous weight feedback. While this adds electronic components, it eliminates the need for complex mechanical indicators and provides superior information delivery through digital displays, achieving net simplification in the information feedback pathway.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise dumbbell includes a handle member and weights positioned at opposite ends of the handle member. An additional weight forms a box about the handle member and the end weights. At least one weight selector is movably mounted on the handle member to selectively engage the end weights. At least one connector is movably mounted on the box weight to selectively engage the handle member. A circuit includes at least one sensor that generates a signal that represents how much force is required to lift the handle member and any weights secured thereto, and a display that displays the force. At least one latch prevents movement of the selector and/or the connector when the handle member is removed from a support base for the weights and the handle member.