Weight Selection Device Arched Engagement Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional weight lifting machines face issues such as lost or damaged selector pins, misalignment of weight plates, noise, wear, and injury risks due to pinch points, and complex, costly designs with numerous cables and pulleys.

Innovation Solution

A weight lifting device with a housing frame and pivoting weight system that uses an arched member with adjustable apertures for resistance selection, minimizing pinch points and noise, and allowing easy adjustment of resistance through a cable and pin arm mechanism, which can be retrofitted to existing equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional weight stack systems with selector pins are used, then weight resistance can be adjusted, but the selector pins are easily lost or damaged and require frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight selectionVSAvoidselector pin durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional selector pin component entirely from the weight stack system. Instead of using a pin that must be inserted and removed to change weights, the invention uses a spring-loaded latch mechanism that automatically engages with notches on the selector arm, eliminating the component that was prone to being lost or damaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages from the notches on the selector arm without requiring user intervention. When the selector arm is moved to a new position, the latch automatically snaps into the next notch, providing self-servicing weight selection without vulnerable removable pins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional weight plates with through-bore holes are used, then weight selection is possible, but misalignment and wear occur over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight configurationVSAvoidplate alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the weight selection mechanism into separate functional components: a selector arm with notches for weight positioning, and a spring-loaded latch for securing the selection. This segmentation eliminates the need for through-bore holes in weight plates, as the selection is made at the top of the stack rather than through the plates themselves, preventing misalignment and wear issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If numerous cables and pulleys are used in weight machines, then exercise positions and configurations can be varied, but the design becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise configurationVSAvoidmachine structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal weight stack interface that can be retrofitted to existing exercise machines with different configurations. The standardized selector mechanism works with various cable and pulley systems, allowing one weight selection device to serve multiple exercise configurations without requiring complex machine-specific designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Force

If conventional weight stacks are used, then resistance can be provided, but noise and machine wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresistanceVSAvoidnoise and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a rubber bumper at the bottom of the weight stack that cushions the impact when weights are lowered. This beforehand cushioning prevents metal-on-metal contact and slamming noises, reducing both noise and wear on the machine components while maintaining the resistance function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 device provides smooth, quiet, and easily tunable resistance with reduced injury risks and a compact footprint, addressing the shortcomings of prior art by eliminating jerking, noise, and pinch points while allowing precise resistance adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded latch mechanism that can be selectively engaged to notches on the selector arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A cable and pulley system is attached to the weight and the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

A weight operatively engaged with the frame of the device is engaged about a pivot point or bearing which allows the weight to rotate about the pivot point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10398920B2Exercise weight selection device and method

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 MEREDITH JEFFREY OWEN

AI summary

A resistance component configured for imparting a resistive force to a connected exercise component is provided. The device includes a frame pivotally supporting a selection arm which has a weight operatively connected to the selection arm by a pin arm. The weight imparts a force resisting rotation of the selection arm by a flexible member engaged with the exercise component. Adjusting the engagement of one end of the pin arm to an arched engagement path along the selection arm adjusts mechanical advantage and the resistive force.