Folding Skateboard Deck with Hinged Tri-Fold Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Longboards are difficult to store and transport due to their size, which often leads to restrictions in schools and other facilities, necessitating a folding mechanism for easier storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A folding skateboard design featuring a board deck composed of three pieces connected by hinges, allowing it to fold into a Z-shaped configuration, with a locking system and removable truck assembly for secure storage, utilizing tamper-proof hinges, aluminum components, and a spring-loaded bullet catch for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If longboards are made with standard length (36-60 inches), then they provide sufficient surface area for comfortable riding, but they become difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The board deck is divided into three separate pieces (front deck, middle deck, rear deck) that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the longboard to be collapsed into a compact configuration for storage and transport while maintaining the full surface area when assembled for riding.
2Ease of operation
If longboards are made foldable to improve storage and transportation, then ease of storage and transportation is improved, but the structural complexity and reliability of the board decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The board is segmented into three pieces connected by hinge sets, allowing controlled folding motion. This segmentation enables the board to fold reliably while maintaining structural integrity through the hinge connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge sets enable dynamic transformation of the board from a rigid flat structure to a folded compact structure. The hinges provide controlled movement while maintaining connection between segments, allowing the board to adapt its shape for storage while remaining structurally sound.
3Ease of operation
If hinge sets are used to connect board pieces for folding capability, then ease of storage and transportation is improved, but the strength and rigidity of the board deck is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The board deck is divided into discrete segments (front, middle, rear pieces) that maintain individual structural integrity. When assembled in the flat riding position, the segments work together to provide sufficient rigidity for skating while allowing folding when disconnected or folded.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge sets provide conditional connectivity - when the board is in the flat assembled position, the hinges maintain the pieces in a rigid configuration suitable for riding. When folding is required, the hinges allow controlled movement while maintaining structural connection, enabling transformation between rigid and flexible states.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding skateboard may include a first board piece, a second board piece and a third board piece. The first board piece and third board piece may be secured to the second board piece with first and second sets of hinges. The board pieces may include an outer rail disposed on the outer edges of the board pieces that can slide along the outer edges of the board pieces in an unfolded configuration. The outer rails may lock in place to allow the folding skateboard to remain in a rigid unfolded configuration or allow the board to be folded into a three-layered configuration for storage. The trucks of the folding skateboard may be easily secured to and removed from the first and third board pieces.