Caster Board Split-Neck Inserts for Tunable Torsional Stiffness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing caster boards lack the ability to modify structural properties such as torsional stiffness and mass distribution, and do not integrate additional functionalities like electronic devices or communication modules.

Innovation Solution

A caster board design featuring a split neck region with an aperture that can removably receive an insert, which alters torsional stiffness, mass distribution, and allows integration of electronic devices, audio capture, image capture, lighting, security devices, and wireless communication modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a caster board uses a fixed platform structure without inserts, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the ability to modify structural properties like torsional stiffness and mass distribution is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to modify structural propertiesVSAvoidplatform structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is segmented into a base platform and removable inserts. The base platform provides the fundamental structure, while inserts can be added to modify specific properties like torsional stiffness or mass distribution. This segmentation allows for versatility without requiring a completely different platform design for each modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The platform structure is designed with a universal aperture and retention mechanism that can accommodate multiple types of inserts with different functions. A single base platform can serve multiple purposes by accepting different inserts for different structural modifications or functional additions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an aperture is added to the platform to receive inserts, then the ability to add functionality is improved, but the structural integrity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality integration capabilityVSAvoidplatform structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture is positioned and sized to allow insert addition while maintaining sufficient material around the aperture to preserve structural integrity. The retention mechanism is designed to distribute forces effectively, ensuring that the aperture does not create weak points that would compromise the platform's strength during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The aperture and retention mechanism are pre-designed and pre-manufactured as integral parts of the base platform. This preliminary preparation ensures that when inserts are added, the structural integrity is maintained from the outset, and no additional reinforcement is needed during or after insert installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the platform structure is made more complex to allow insert addition, then the ease of manufacture decreases, but the adaptability to different configurations improves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration customizationVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the platform into a base platform and separate inserts, the manufacturing process becomes more flexible. The base platform can be manufactured using standard processes, and inserts can be produced separately using appropriate methods for each specific application, potentially simplifying overall manufacturing rather than complicating it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The platform transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where inserts can be added or removed. This dynamic capability allows the same base platform to be adapted to different configurations and applications without requiring separate manufacturing processes for each variant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If inserts are added to modify torsional stiffness, then the riding characteristics can be changed, but the device complexity and potential failure points increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveriding characteristic adjustmentVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention mechanism is designed with preliminary consideration for reliability, using features like recesses, countersinks, and interference fits that ensure secure attachment of inserts. These preliminary design considerations help prevent insert loosening or detachment during operation, maintaining system reliability while allowing for adjustable riding characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4031257B1Caster boards with removable insert

Publication Date: 2025.12.17 RAZOR USA LLC

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AI summary

A caster board can include a front platform, a rear platform, and at least two neck sections extending between the front platform and the rear platform. The neck sections can serve as a torsion element allowing twisting of the front platform relative to the rear platform. An aperture between the neck sections can be configured to receive an insert. The insert can alter a structural characteristic of the caster board, such as the torsional stiffness of the caster board.