Weight rack and shelf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack assemblies for weightlifting require multiple high-strength support members to ensure stability and safety, which increases complexity and cost, necessitating a solution that reduces the number of support members without compromising strength or stability.
Innovation Solution
A weight rack design that uses only two vertical support members to mount each shelf, with a rotation limiting structure and a cover to securely hold free weights, allowing for efficient assembly and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple high-strength support members are used to ensure stability and safety, then the strength and stability of the rack assembly is improved, but the complexity and cost of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are segmented into vertical and horizontal components that can be independently assembled. Each support member is divided into sections that connect to form a complete support structure, allowing for easier assembly while maintaining strength through the segmented configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Horizontal support members are nested within or between vertical support members, creating a compact assembly structure. The horizontal members fit into slots or channels of the vertical members, allowing the structure to be assembled in a simplified manner while maintaining structural integrity through the nested configuration.
2Reliability
If multiple high-strength support members are used to ensure stability and safety, then the reliability of the rack assembly is improved, but the number of parts and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support functions are merged into integrated vertical members that provide both vertical support and horizontal positioning. The vertical members incorporate features that simultaneously perform multiple structural roles, reducing the total number of separate parts needed while maintaining reliability through the combined functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical support members are designed as universal components that can support multiple horizontal shelves at different heights and provide lateral stability. These members incorporate multiple attachment points and structural features that enable them to perform various support functions, reducing the need for specialized parts for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf is configured for use with a weight rack including first and second vertical members extending generally parallel to each other and positioned in spaced relation to each other. The shelf supports one or more free weights and has first and second opposed ends and front and rear sides extending between the ends, where the first end of the shelf is connected to the first vertical member and the second end of the shelf is connected to the second vertical member, such that the first and second vertical members support the entire weight of the shelf. The shelf may include a rotation limiting structure to limit rotation of the shelf with respect to the vertical members. A weight rack may be outfitted with one or more such shelves, and in one configuration, the weight rack may include a number (N) of adjacent shelf stacks supported by number (N+1) of vertical members.