1. Safe Spot ME 4182 Midterm Presentation February 22, 2006 J.J. Couvillion - Drew Bartlett - Manish Patel - Nick Roberts - Elisha Mellitz

2. Objectives Project Selection Problem Statement Conceptual Designs Selection Analysis Proposed Direction Conclusion

3. Project Selection The bench press is a common free weight exercise Users often need assistance, or a “Spot”, to reduce the risk of injury Proper spotting currently requires the presence of another individual

4. Problem Statement The bench press is an unsafe exercise when performed without a spot There is a need for a bench press system or apparatus which allows the user to safely spot themselves Apparatus must be safe, simple, reliable and durable

5. Design Goals Must be compatible with standard Olympic weight sets Should allow freedom of motion in all directions Self contained system requiring no external power source

6. Patent Search: Baseline Concept Hydraulic Arms on Track Similar to traditional bench presses Lifter arms are powered by a hydraulic system Activated via a foot pedal

7. Conceptual Designs Lifter Arms-Leg Pump Powered Pedal pumps air into pneumatic compressor which lifts mechanism that catches and assists bar

8. Conceptual Designs Motorized Jack Lifters Pedal activated motors connected to shafts turn gears, extending jacks Jacks lift arms that catch and assist weight bar

9. Conceptual Designs Bench Drop with Catch Foot trigger removes pin, causing bench to drop at an angle Safety arm catches bar Height of catch is set by user

10. Conceptual Designs Hook and Cable Leg Extension Hooks powered by leg extension are connected by cable Hooks catch and assist in raising weight bar Allows user to control degree of weight assist

11. Selection Analysis Pair-wise Comparison Safety ranked as most important design criteria Weight portability ranked least important

12. Selection Analysis House of Quality

13. Selected Design: Hook and Cable Leg Extension Proof of Concept:

14. Conclusion Project selection Problem statement Patent research/baseline Conceptual ideas House of Quality analysis of concepts Design selection Questions?