Weightlifting Support Assembly with Spring-Locked Studs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weight support assemblies for weightlifting equipment often compromise between sturdiness, security, and ease of positioning, failing to provide a robust, secure, and easily repositionable solution for weight bars.
Innovation Solution
A weight support assembly with U-shaped support plates, angled hook plates, and a lock trigger mechanism that allows for secure locking and easy repositioning along a frame rack with non-metallic bumpers for impact cushioning and wear pins for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional support assemblies use simple posts or hooks, then ease of positioning is improved, but sturdiness and security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple functional components: support plates with studs for positioning, hook plates for weight bar engagement, a lock trigger mechanism with latch member for security, and a spring for providing locking force. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, achieving both ease of positioning and sturdiness simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock trigger mechanism is nested within the support assembly structure, with the latch member extending through the central support plate and engaging with the frame rack. The spring is nested within the lock trigger assembly, providing continuous locking force. This nested design consolidates multiple functions into a compact unit that maintains both security and ease of operation.
2Strength
If conventional support assemblies are made sturdy and secure, then weight support capability is improved, but ease of repositioning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lock trigger mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: locked and unlocked. The spring provides continuous locking force in the locked state, ensuring sturdiness. When the lock trigger is actuated, the latch member disengages from the frame rack, allowing easy repositioning. This dynamic design enables the assembly to be both secure during use and easily repositionable when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch member automatically engages with the frame rack when the support assembly is inserted, providing self-locking functionality. This eliminates the need for separate locking operations, maintaining security while enabling easy repositioning by simply actuating the lock trigger and removing the assembly.
3Ease of operation
If conventional support assemblies use simple locking mechanisms, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lock trigger mechanism allows rapid engagement and disengagement of the latch member with the frame rack. The spring provides immediate locking force when the assembly is inserted, and the latch member can be quickly released by actuating the lock trigger. This design achieves both ease of operation and high security by enabling fast, reliable locking and unlocking actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the support assembly structure itself, rather than being a separate operation. The latch member is integrated into the central support plate, and the lock trigger is attached to the hook plates, combining the support and locking functions into a single unified mechanism that is both secure and easy to operate.
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
Enables secure locking and easy repositioning of weight bars with robust support, facilitating efficient weightlifting exercises while minimizing the effort required for adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
A non-metallic bumper bridges an edge surface of the hook plates to cushion impacts with the weight bar
Implementation Method 2
The lock trigger is biased such that a latch member extends through a latch aperture within the central support plate
Data Source
AI summary
A weightlifting system includes a weight bar frame rack which includes a multitude of openings along an upright to receive a weight support assembly at various positions along the frame rack. The support assembly includes a multitude of studs which extend from an inner surface of a U-shaped support plate to engage the openings and provide a robust weight support which will bear a significant quantity of weight. In use, the weight support assembly is pushed into and down the upright such that that the studs engage and are guided by the openings. Concurrent therewith, a spring bias is overcome until a latch member encounters a lock opening to securely lock the support into the desired position. To remove the weight support assembly a lock trigger is retracted and the weight support assembly is lifted up and out of the openings. The entire locking and unlocking of the weight support assembly is readily performed with one hand.