Wall-Mounted Retractable Weight Bench for Compact Gym Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weightlifting benches are large and require significant storage space when not in use, posing a challenge for smaller gyms, and are often constructed of heavy materials making them cumbersome to move.
Innovation Solution
A retractable wall-mounted weightlifting bench system with a mounting bracket, pivotally connected bench, and support members that allow the bench to extend outwardly for use and retract vertically for compact storage, utilizing a mechanism with actuators for easy transition between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional weightlifting benches are constructed of heavy metal materials to ensure strength and stability, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of moving the bench deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bench is divided into multiple segments that can be collapsed and folded relative to each other. The bench frame includes a backrest portion, seat portion, and leg portions that can be independently positioned and locked, allowing the structure to be broken down into smaller, more manageable sections for easier movement and storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The bench transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The leg portions are made movable relative to the backrest and seat portions, allowing the bench to be collapsed vertically for storage or extended horizontally for use. This dynamic capability enables the bench to adapt its configuration, making it easier to move and store while maintaining strength when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional weightlifting benches are designed with a large horizontal footprint to provide adequate exercise space, then the functionality for weightlifting exercises is improved, but the storage space required deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bench utilizes vertical space rather than only horizontal space for storage. By collapsing the leg portions vertically and folding the backrest and seat portions, the bench transitions from a horizontal footprint to a vertical storage configuration. This dimensional change allows the bench to be stored in a compact vertical orientation against a wall or in a corner, significantly reducing the horizontal storage area required while maintaining full exercise functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The bench employs movable leg portions that can be positioned in different configurations. When stored, the leg portions are collapsed vertically to minimize horizontal space occupation. When in use, the leg portions are extended horizontally to provide adequate support and exercise space. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the bench to adapt between compact storage and full functionality based on operational needs.
3Area of stationary object
If the bench is made collapsible to reduce storage space, then the storage compactness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible functionality is achieved by dividing the bench into distinct segments (backrest portion, seat portion, leg portions) connected by joints. Each segment can be independently positioned and locked, simplifying the overall mechanism compared to a fully flexible structure. The leg portions are segmented into movable and fixed components that can be independently controlled, reducing the complexity of the collapsing mechanism while achieving compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The bench incorporates movable leg portions with locking mechanisms that allow controlled transformation between extended and collapsed states. The dynamics are managed through simple hinge joints and locking pins rather than complex mechanical systems. This approach provides the necessary dynamic reconfiguration capability while keeping the mechanism relatively simple and easy to operate.
4Ease of operation
If actuators are added to enable easy transition between extended and retracted positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bench employs spring-loaded or gravity-assisted mechanisms that utilize the bench's own weight and structural properties to assist in the collapsing and extending motions. The movable leg portions are designed to naturally fold downward under gravity when released, and springs provide assistance in controlling the motion and maintaining position. This self-service approach reduces or eliminates the need for external actuators, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing added complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates counterbalancing elements such as springs or weighted components that offset the weight of the bench segments during transformation. The springs are positioned to provide mechanical advantage, reducing the effort required by the user to collapse or extend the bench. This counterweight approach makes the position transitions easier while avoiding the need for powered actuators, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
The system provides a compact storage solution, reducing space requirements and simplifying movement, while maintaining functionality for various exercises with adjustable incline options.
Implementation Method 1
a bench pivotally connected to the mounting bracket that has an extended position and a retracted position
Implementation Method 2
a first support member pivotally attached to the bench and a second support member pivotally attached to the bench
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable wall mounted weightlifting bench system for that is extended outwardly from the wall when in use and retracted towards the wall when not in use. The retractable wall mounted weightlifting bench system generally includes a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to a wall, a bench pivotally connected to the mounting bracket that has an extended position and a retracted position, a first support member pivotally attached to the bench and a second support member pivotally attached to the bench. The first surface of the bench is horizontal or inclined when in the extended position to be used as a weightlifting bench. The first surface of the bench is in a substantially vertical position when in the retracted position for compact storage of the bench near the wall.