Deformable Skateboard Deck Drive Using Elastic Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanically driven skateboards propel using weight-driven deformation or change in the inclination of the footboard, which is not harmonious and lacks efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A skateboard design with a flexible connecting element and a rope-like drive element that converts elastic deformation energy into propulsion by winding and unwinding around a gearbox during weight unloading, using a freewheel transmission or centrifugal clutch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If weight-driven deformation of the footboard is used to propel the skateboard, then propulsion is achieved, but the operation becomes unnatural and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional propulsion mechanism by generating drive torque during deck unloading rather than during deformation. The elastic deck stores energy when deformed by rider weight and releases it during unloading, which is when the drive element unwinds from the gearbox to propel the skateboard forward, creating a more natural and efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including an elastically deformable deck that continuously changes shape during operation, a flexible connecting element that moves with the deck deformation, and a rope-like drive element that dynamically winds and unwinds around the gearbox depending on the deck's deformation state, enabling natural rider movements to efficiently propel the skateboard.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connecting element is used between axles, then structural stability is maintained, but elastic energy cannot be converted into propulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid connecting element with a flexible connecting element that has elastic restoring forces. This flexible element can deform with the deck while maintaining structural integrity, and its elasticity enables it to store and release energy, converting the deck's elastic deformation into propulsive force through the drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible component that actively participates in energy conversion. Its flexibility allows it to follow the deck's deformation while its elastic properties enable it to store energy during deformation and release it during unloading to drive the wheels.
3Force
If the drive mechanism is activated during deck deformation, then propulsion force is generated, but the acceleration occurs at the wrong phase of the motion cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the periodic nature of the rider's weight application to the deck. The deck deforms periodically as the rider shifts weight, storing elastic energy during compression and releasing it during unloading. The drive mechanism is synchronized to this periodic motion, generating propulsive force specifically during the unloading phase when acceleration is most effective.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of activating the drive mechanism during deck compression (deformation), the patent inverts the timing to activate it during deck unloading (recovery). This inversion ensures that propulsion force is generated at the optimal moment in the motion cycle when the deck's elastic restoring force is greatest, maximizing acceleration efficiency.
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
Enables natural and harmonious acceleration by converting elastic energy into drive torque, enhancing propulsion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a skateboard with an elastically deformable footboard
Implementation Method 2
a freewheel transmission or centrifugal clutch
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention describes a skateboard having an elastically deformable deck, on the underside of which there are mounted two skateboard axles, which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the deck and which are oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction, for mounting two wheels each. The invention is characterized in that one of the skateboard axles has a rotary shaft, to which the two wheels are connected for conjoint rotation and along which there is mounted a freewheel mechanism which is capable of exerting a driving torque oriented exclusively in one direction of rotation about the rotary shaft onto the rotary shaft. On the underside of the deck there is mounted a connecting element extending between the skateboard axles, having two connecting element ends fastened to the skateboard axles and/or to the deck, between which ends the connecting element is spaced apart from the underside of the deck, has a convex shape directed away from the deck and has, centrally between the two skateboard axles, a maximum distance from the deck which is maximum in a load-free state of the deck and can be reduced by way of a load-induced, elastic deformation of the deck. Furthermore, a drive means in the form of a cable or belt that transmits tensile forces is, on the one hand, articulated on the freewheel mechanism such that it can be wound up and unwound with a first winding direction of rotation and, on the other hand, articulated in the region of the maximum distance between the deck and connecting element in such a way that, when the deck is loaded and there is an associated reduction in the maximum distance, the drive means can be wound up onto the freewheel mechanism and, when there is a reduction in the loading and an associated increase in the maximum distance, the drive means can, with exertion of the driving torque acting on the rotary shaft, be unwound at least by means of an elastic return force intrinsic to the deck.