CNC-Routed Board Grip Surface for Durable Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping surfaces on boards such as skateboards and balance boards are often slippery, leading to falls and injuries, and current solutions like grip tapes are prone to wear, maintenance issues, and aesthetic concerns.
Innovation Solution
A gripping surface with a plurality of projections and voids arranged in a geometric pattern, formed by cutting the deck using a CNC router, providing increased traction and durability while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grip tape is applied on the board surface, then grip is improved, but durability and aesthetics deteriorate due to fast wear and maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The board surface is segmented into multiple projections and voids, creating a textured gripping surface that is permanently integrated into the board structure. This segmentation provides increased surface area and mechanical interlocking for better grip while eliminating the need for separate grip tape layers that wear out.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping function is merged directly into the board surface by forming projections and voids as an integral part of the board structure. This combines the structural board with the gripping surface, eliminating the separate grip tape component and its associated durability and maintenance problems.
2Reliability
If grip tape is applied on the board surface, then grip is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping surface is merged with the board structure itself, creating a permanent, maintenance-free solution. The projections and voids are formed as an integral part of the board, eliminating the need to replace or maintain separate grip tape layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The board surface provides its own gripping function through the projected structure, eliminating the need for external grip tape components that require periodic replacement and maintenance.
3Reliability
If grip tape is applied on the board surface, then grip is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The board surface features localized projections and voids that provide grip only where needed, while maintaining smooth aesthetic areas elsewhere. This local texturing approach preserves overall aesthetic appearance while delivering enhanced grip functionality in specific zones.
4Device complexity
If wooden floor surface is used, then simplicity is maintained, but safety deteriorates due to slips and falls when wet
Solution Approach 1:
The floor surface is segmented into projections and voids, creating a textured pattern that maintains simplicity of overall design while providing enhanced slip resistance. The segmented structure increases friction and prevents sliding when wet.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor surface transitions from a flat two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional textured surface with projections and voids. This dimensional change adds vertical variation that enhances grip and slip resistance while maintaining visual simplicity.
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 enhances grip and durability, reducing the risk of falls and injuries by increasing the surface area of contact, while being aesthetically appealing and resistant to wear.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of projections and the plurality of voids may be arranged in a geometric pattern on the gripping surface... providing increased traction... by increasing the surface area of contact
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping surface includes a plurality of projections extending away from the gripping surface and a plurality of voids between and defined by the projections. The gripping surface may be disposed on a support surface, such as a deck of a skateboard or a deck of a balance board. The projections may be formed by cutting the support surface with a router, such as a computer numerical control router. The projections may each comprise three or more angles surfaces, whereby angled surfaces of proximal projections are positioned at mirror angles of one another.