Variable Weight Kettlebell Center of Gravity Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing variable weight kettlebells have discontinuous outer surfaces, changing center of gravity when weights are added, making them unsuitable for certain exercises and potentially dangerous due to weight ejection during use.

Innovation Solution

A kettlebell design with a main body that retains removable weights through a top-side opening and handle attachment points, featuring a hollow center with symmetrically arranged slots to maintain the center of gravity and a lid/cover assembly for secure weight retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If weights are added to existing variable weight kettlebells, then the weight of the device is increased, but the center of gravity changes making it difficult to swing and move consistently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of kettlebellVSAvoidcenter of gravity position

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The kettlebell body is segmented into a hollow cavity that can accommodate multiple removable weight inserts. These inserts can be independently added or removed from the cavity, allowing weight adjustment while maintaining the overall structural integrity and center of gravity position of the main kettlebell body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable weight inserts are nested within the hollow cavity of the kettlebell body. This nesting arrangement allows the weights to be contained within the existing structure, ensuring that the center of gravity remains within the designed parameters regardless of the total weight configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If weights are added from the bottom or side of the kettlebell, then weight adjustment is possible, but there is potential danger of weights being ejected during swinging exercises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidweight retention safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The opening is preliminarily positioned on the top side of the kettlebell body, away from the swinging motion path. This preliminary design decision prevents weights from being ejected during exercise, as the opening location is predetermined to be in a safe position that does not interfere with the natural swinging arc of the kettlebell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The opening on the top side, which could potentially be a weak point for weight ejection, is converted into a beneficial feature by positioning it between the handle attachment points. This location ensures that during normal swinging exercises, the opening remains in a protected position where weights cannot be ejected, transforming a potential hazard into a safe weight access point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing variable weight kettlebells are designed with discontinuous outer surfaces, then weight adjustment is enabled, but the device becomes unsuitable for exercises where the kettlebell contacts the user's arm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight adjustabilityVSAvoidsurface continuity for user safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The opening is locally positioned on the top side of the kettlebell body, specifically between the handle attachment points. This localized placement ensures that the discontinuity is confined to a specific area that does not contact the user's arm during exercises, while the rest of the outer surface maintains its continuous, safe configuration for user contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The weight access opening is moved to a different spatial dimension - the top side of the kettlebell body rather than the bottom or side. This dimensional relocation ensures that the opening does not interfere with the continuous outer surface that contacts the user's arm during exercises, separating the weight adjustment function from the user contact surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If previous variable weight kettlebells require partial disassembly to insert weights, then weight adjustment is possible, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidweight insertion simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The weight insertion mechanism is extracted from a complex disassembly process and simplified to a single opening access point on the top side of the kettlebell. Users can directly insert or remove weights through this opening without needing to disassemble any parts of the kettlebell structure, significantly simplifying the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The kettlebell design allows users to independently adjust weights through the top opening without requiring technical knowledge or special tools. The simple insert/remove mechanism enables users to service their own weight adjustment needs quickly and easily, eliminating the complexity of partial disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9914007B2Variable weight kettlebell

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 GPROD

AI summary

A kettlebell may comprise a main body configured to retain one or more removable exercise weights and a handle connected to the main body at two attachment points on a top side of the main body. The main body may have an opening disposed on the top side and between the two attachment points configured to receive the one or more removable exercise weights.