Compound Curving Spring Member for Recreational Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals participating in rolling or sliding-based recreational activities often lack apparatuses that provide both power and stabilization, leading to fatigue and safety concerns due to the need to constantly push with one leg.
Innovation Solution
A recreational power and stabilizing apparatus featuring an elongated handle body, a compound curving spring member, and a traction element, where the spring member stores kinetic energy from user pressure and releases it to propel the user, with varying power regions for efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If individuals use traditional rolling/sliding apparatus without power assistance, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but the user experiences fatigue and cannot ride for long periods
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is divided into multiple curving elements with different power regions (lower power region and high power region), allowing staged energy release. This segmentation enables the apparatus to provide power assistance for extended duration while managing structural complexity through modular design of the spring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transitions from a static, passive structure to a dynamic system with an active spring member that stores and releases energy. The spring member's ability to compress and expand provides adaptive power assistance, enabling longer ride duration while the dynamic energy storage mechanism manages the complexity through natural elastic properties rather than complex mechanical systems.
2Ease of operation
If individuals constantly push with one leg to propel the apparatus, then no additional power system is needed, but the user experiences fatigue and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member serves itself by automatically storing energy during compression and releasing it during expansion, providing power assistance without requiring active user input beyond the initial compression action. This self-service mechanism reduces user energy expenditure and improves ease of operation, as the spring member continuously provides propulsion assistance throughout the ride.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member operates through periodic compression and expansion cycles, providing rhythmic power assistance that synchronizes with the user's movement. This periodic energy release improves ease of operation by delivering power at optimal moments during each cycle, reducing the need for continuous user pushing and lowering overall energy expenditure.
3Power
If a simple spring mechanism is used for propulsion, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but the power delivery is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the spring member are designed with different curvatures and stiffness characteristics. The lower power region provides gentler propulsion, while the high power region delivers stronger force when needed. This local quality variation within the spring structure enables consistent and controlled power delivery across different phases of compression, achieving reliable propulsion without requiring multiple separate spring components.
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 apparatus enables users to ride for longer periods with reduced fatigue by providing power and stabilization, allowing smoother propulsion and improved safety through staged energy release.
Implementation Method 1
the spring member stores kinetic energy from user pressure and releases it to propel the user
Implementation Method 2
a spring member coupled to the elongated handle body
Implementation Method 3
a friction element. The friction element is coupled to the spring member and engages the ground during use
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational power and stabilizing apparatus according to various aspects of the present technology includes an elongated handle body, a spring member coupled to the elongated handle body, and a traction element. The spring member comprises a compound curving element having a lower power region and a high power region. The traction element is coupled to the spring member and engages the ground during use.