Alpine Ski with Wide Tip and Narrow Tail for Versatile Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alpine skis struggle to provide optimal behavior both on and off-piste, with existing designs being either too versatile for piste use or too specialized for off-piste, making it difficult for skiers of varying skill levels to navigate different snow conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A new family of skis with a front part having a maximum width between 135 mm and 165 mm, a rear part with a maximum width between 90 mm and 130 mm, and a central part with a minimum width between 60 mm and 130 mm, featuring a significant difference in width between the front and rear parts, along with a long and pointed spatula shape to enhance versatility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ski has a large width difference between front and rear parts with a long pointed spatula, then versatility and maneuverability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ski is divided into distinct functional zones: a front part with maximum width S (135-165mm) for off-piste performance, a rear part with maximum width T (90-130mm) for piste control, and a central part with minimum width C (60-130mm) for binding placement. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing approach by treating them as separate geometric entities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the ski are given different width characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The front part has a larger width (S) with a difference Δt > 25mm compared to the rear part, creating a long pointed spatula shape optimized for powder snow. The rear part has a smaller width (T) for better control on groomed slopes. This local differentiation of geometric properties enables the ski to excel in multiple conditions without requiring a completely different design for each terrain type.
2Ease of operation
If the ski has very deep sidecuts with small radii, then carving performance on piste is improved, but behavior off piste deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sidecut geometry is optimized locally for different terrains. The front part with larger width S and the long pointed spatula shape (length Ls between 150-320mm) provide enhanced off-piste capability by preventing the tip from sinking too deeply into soft snow. The rear part with width T maintains adequate sidecut depth for carving on piste. The difference Δt > 25mm between front and rear widths creates a geometry that balances both requirements, allowing the ski to carve effectively on groomed slopes while remaining maneuverable and stable in off-piste conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ski has a wide front part and narrow rear part with Δt > 25mm, then off-piste performance is improved, but piste maneuverability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The width parameters are carefully selected within specific ranges to optimize performance. The front part width S is set between 135-165mm, the rear part width T between 90-130mm, and the difference Δt is maintained greater than 25mm. The central part minimum width C is kept between 60-130mm. These parameter ranges ensure that the front part is sufficiently wide for off-piste stability and floatation, while the rear part remains narrow enough for responsive maneuverability on piste. The long pointed spatula shape (Ls = 150-320mm) further enhances off-piste performance without compromising piste handling.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 1b~3a
AI summary
A ski (1) intended for alpine skiing, comprising a front portion (2), a rear portion (3), and a central portion (4) designed to receive binding means (5) for a boot, which is inserted between the front portion (2) and the rear portion (3); said front portion (2) comprising a wider section with a value "S", which is between 135 mm and 165 mm, and the difference "Δt" (delta-t) between the value "S" of the maximum width of the front portion and the value "T" of the maximum width of the rear portion (T) is greater than 25 mm and less than 55 mm. Preferably, the rear portion (3) comprises a wider section with a value "T", which is between 90 mm and 130 mm, and the central portion (4) comprises a narrower section with a value "C", which is between 60 mm and 130 mm.