Bench Safe

Abstract

Free weight bench pressing is one of the most common free weight exercises and can be inherently dangerous, especially when done alone. Safety mechanisms have been implemented into bench presses, but unfortunately come with undesirable limitations such as the restriction of movement. Currently, the most common form of safety precautions relies on a second individual, a spotter. The spotter’s purpose is to assist during the bench press exercise should the user begin to struggle. This need for a spotter places the user at risk if a spotter is unavailable, and a safety mechanism is not in place. Human error is also inevitable and an individual unfamiliar with proper spotting etiquette can lead to the user getting seriously injured. To solve this problem, our team has designed and fabricated the Bench Safe. The Bench Safe is an autonomous bench press spotting machine that only interferes when assistance is required. Data tracked throughout the user’s workout will also be provided for useful workout performance feedback. The three primary functions of the Smart Bench are: (1) establish users chest position; (2) monitor bar height; (3) assist user when needed. To accomplish these tasks, two proximity sensors will track the motion of the barbell, two sensors will detect the height of the user’s chest, and two linear actuators will lift the barbell when needed. All electronics and actuators will be controlled with a micro-controller that is receiving feedback from the sensors. Data will be exported to an HTML where charts will be developed for the user. The Bench Safe will bring a safer workout to individuals inside and outside the gym.