Spring-Biased Accessory Carrier for One-Handed Exercise Rack Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise rack systems are time-consuming and dangerous to vertically adjust accessories, and they limit the types of accessories that can be mounted, offering limited utility.
Innovation Solution
An exercise rack accessory apparatus with a sliding accessory carrier and a dual-handle system that allows for quick and safe vertical adjustment, featuring a biasing mechanism to automatically lock the accessory in place, enabling the use of various accessories beyond just bar catches and safety bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If accessories are vertically adjusted by disconnecting and repositioning them manually, then the accessory can be repositioned to different heights, but the process is time-consuming and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory mount incorporates a movable component that transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling dynamic adjustment. The mount can be quickly shifted from a fixed position that secures the accessory to a mobile position that allows vertical movement, eliminating time-consuming manual disconnection and reconnection processes
Solution Approach 2:
The mount includes a spring-biased mechanism that automatically returns to its locked position after adjustment. When the movable component is released, the spring automatically re-engages the locking feature with the rack structure, providing self-service locking without requiring additional user actions to secure the accessory at the new height
2Ease of operation
If accessories are manually disconnected and repositioned, then vertical adjustment is possible, but the process is dangerous and may result in dropping or damaging the accessory
Solution Approach 1:
The mount uses a controlled dynamic mechanism where the movable component remains positively engaged with the rack structure during adjustment. The design ensures that the accessory is securely held throughout the movement process, preventing accidental drops while still allowing intentional repositioning when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased mechanism provides inherent safety by maintaining constant engagement between the mount and rack. The spring ensures that locking features remain pressed against the rack structure, providing a safety margin that prevents unintended disengagement and protects against accessory dropping during normal operation
3Device complexity
If only bar catches and safety bars are mounted to vertical members, then the mounting system is simple, but other accessories cannot be mounted reducing utility
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory mount is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of accessories through a standardized mounting mechanism. The movable component and locking features are configured to work with various accessory configurations, enabling the same rack structure to support bar catches, safety bars, and other exercise equipment without requiring different mounting systems
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
Facilitates faster, safer vertical adjustment and increased flexibility in mounting different types of accessories, enhancing user safety and utility.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to apply an elastic force to the accessory carrier to bias the accessory carrier toward the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having an accessory carrier that slides along an exercise rack and repositions an accessory through one-handed operation. A stationary handle fixedly mounts to the accessory carrier by first spacers. A moving handle mounts to the accessory carrier by second spacers. Each second spacer includes a barrel having an open end a closed end. A shaft extends through the barrel and the closed end and is mounted to the moving handle. As the moving handle moves to an engaged position, a pin end of the shaft slides out of the open end of the barrel and engages the exercise rack. This engagement prevents relative movement of the accessory carrier with respect to the exercise rack and fixes the accessory carrier at a selected position. A biasing member biases the moving handle to automatically engage the pin end and lock the accessory carrier in place.