Asymmetric Stabilizing Section Ski Torsional Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alpine skis with light constructions, such as those using carbon fiber and sparse cores, exhibit unpleasant vibrational behavior, particularly in torsion, which affects performance and control, as existing technologies fail to effectively reduce torsional vibrations at the source.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an asymmetric distribution of mass, damping, or stiffness in the ski's stabilizing sections, positioned near the edges, to reduce torsional impulses and generate a coupled bending-torsion vibration response, thereby minimizing torsional vibrations and improving control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mass or stiffness is added to the ski structure to reduce vibration amplitude, then vibrational behavior is improved, but the ski becomes heavier and less responsive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning stabilizing sections with asymmetric mass distribution at specific locations along the ski (between front tip and waist section, or between waist section and rear tail) rather than uniformly throughout the entire ski structure. This localized approach reduces vibrations in critical areas while minimizing overall weight addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements asymmetry through the asymmetric distribution of mass within the stabilizing sections, with greater mass positioned toward the inside edge of the ski. This asymmetric mass distribution creates a coupled bending-torsion vibration response that specifically targets and reduces harmful torsional vibrations without requiring symmetric reinforcement throughout the ski.
2Reliability
If damping is increased to accelerate dissipation of vibrational energy, then torsional vibrations are reduced, but the ski loses the desired 'pop' feeling and sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating damping and mass properties in specific stabilizing sections rather than uniformly throughout the ski. This allows damping to be applied locally where it is most effective for reducing torsional vibrations, while leaving other sections of the ski sufficiently flexible to maintain the desired pop feeling and sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing damping and mass addition only in specific stabilizing sections rather than throughout the entire ski. This partial application of damping is sufficient to reduce harmful torsional vibrations while preserving the overall vibrational characteristics that provide pop and sensitivity.
3Weight of moving object
If reinforcements like carbon fiber and sparse cores are used to build light skis, then ski weight is reduced, but the skis become too nervous with unpleasant vibratory behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding stabilizing sections with asymmetric mass distribution at specific locations along the lightweight ski structure. This localized addition of mass and damping properties counteracts the nervous vibrational behavior in critical areas without compromising the overall lightweight construction achieved through carbon fiber and sparse cores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements asymmetry through the asymmetric mass distribution in the stabilizing sections, which generates a coupled bending-torsion vibration response. This asymmetric configuration specifically addresses the torsional vibrations that make lightweight skis nervous, while preserving the weight advantages of the lightweight core construction.
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 solution effectively reduces torsional vibrations and enhances ski control by displacing the center of mass towards the inside edge, allowing for improved vibrational response and reduced weight, without compromising flexional modes, thus providing a more stable and responsive skiing experience.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating an asymmetric distribution of mass, damping, or stiffness in the ski's stabilizing sections, positioned near the edges, to reduce torsional impulses and generate a coupled bending-torsion vibration response
Implementation Method 2
generate a coupled bending-torsion vibration response, thereby minimizing torsional vibrations and improving control
Implementation Method 3
Another strategy comprises increasing the damping of the structure to accelerate the dissipation of vibrational energy
Data Source
AI summary
A ski has an upwardly rising front tip, a rear tail, and a midsection extending along a longitudinal axis of the ski between the front tip and the rear tail, the midsection including a waist section adapted for mounting a binding thereon. At least one stabilizing section is located between the front tip and the waist section or between the waist section and the rear tail. The at least one stabilizing section is offset from the longitudinal axis of the ski toward a first side of the ski. The stabilizing section may offset, toward and inside or an outside of the ski, a center of mass, a level of stiffness, or a damping effect of the stabilizing section. A pair of skis comprises such left and right skis. A stabilization device may be mounted on an ordinary ski.