Cushioned traction pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-balancing vehicles, such as electric skateboards, have uncomfortable and slippery deck surfaces due to coarse grip tape, leading to rider discomfort and loss of control, especially when riding barefoot or with socks, and existing grip tape loses traction when debris is present.
Innovation Solution
Cushioned traction pads with protuberances and a rear kicktail, made of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam (EVA foam) with a shore hardness of 55-65, providing both traction and comfort, and featuring sidekicks for enhanced foot support and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coarse grip tape is used on the deck surface, then rider slippage is reduced, but rider comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deck surface is segmented into two distinct layers: a base deck layer and a separate traction pad layer with protuberances. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function - the base provides structural support while the traction pad provides both grip and cushioning, resolving the contradiction between traction and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The traction pad uses composite construction combining EVA foam material with protuberance features. The foam provides cushioning comfort while the protuberances provide traction, creating a composite structure that simultaneously delivers both grip and comfort that neither feature could achieve alone.
2Ease of manufacture
If flat grip tape is used on the deck surface, then manufacturing is simple, but rider comfort and traction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the traction function into a removable pad component, the manufacturing process becomes modular. The base deck remains simple to manufacture while the traction pad can be independently manufactured with optimized comfort features, and both are assembled through adhesive bonding.
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 cushioned traction pads significantly improve rider comfort and control by reducing slippage and providing a durable, easy-to-clean surface, allowing for prolonged riding barefoot or with minimal footwear and maintaining traction in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The cushioned traction pads are comprised of lightweight ethylene-vinyl acetate foam (EVA foam)
Implementation Method 2
The top surface of the rear cushioned traction pad includes a plurality of protuberances for reducing the rider's slippage
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus directed to cushioned traction pads for self-balancing vehicles. The method and apparatus is comprised of a front cushioned traction pad that has a top surface and a bottom surface; attaching the bottom surface of the front cushioned traction pad to a first deck portion disposed at a first end of a frame, the top surface of the front cushioned traction pad configured to receive a left or right foot of a rider; selecting a rear cushioned traction pad that has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the rear cushioned traction pad further has a rear kicktail extending integrally upwardly and rearwardly. The method and apparatus further include attaching the bottom surface of the rear cushioned traction pad to a second deck portion disposed at a second end of the frame for receiving the left or right foot of a rider.