Folding Ski Connecting Platform Arcuate Camber Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding skis lack the mechanical and dynamic properties of traditional, non-folding skis due to loss of camber shape when assembled, resulting in inadequate load distribution and energy transfer during turns.
Innovation Solution
A folding ski design featuring a connecting platform with an arcuate shape made from elastic material, incorporating multiple tongue-and-groove pairs that engage to recreate the camber shape, providing a stiff and efficient connection between the ski sections, and optionally reinforced with fibres or a latching mechanism for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a folding ski is assembled with a rigid connecting platform, then the ski can be folded for portability, but the camber shape is lost and mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting platform changes its physical state from flexible during assembly/transport to rigid during skiing operation. The platform is made of elastic material that stiffens when loaded by the skier's weight, thereby achieving both portability and reliable mechanical properties without compromising the camber shape.
2Ease of operation
If the ski is divided into front and rear sections for folding, then carrying convenience is improved, but the load distribution and energy transfer are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting platform is formed with an arcuate shape that mimics the natural camber of a traditional ski. This curved geometry ensures proper load distribution from the front end through the folding connection to the rear end, while the elastic material allows the platform to flex during turns for energy transfer, thus maintaining strength and performance despite the segmented construction.
3Ease of operation
If a folding connection is used to join ski sections, then the ski can be collapsed for storage, but the dynamic properties during turns are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting platform's rigidity parameter changes dynamically based on loading conditions. During skiing, the platform stiffens under the skier's weight to provide stable load distribution, yet remains sufficiently flexible to allow energy transfer during turns. This dynamic parameter adjustment enables both storage capability and proper energy utilization.
4Shape
If the connecting platform is made from elastic material with arcuate shape, then camber shape is restored, but the platform complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting platform merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides the structural connection between ski sections, restores the camber shape through its arcuate geometry, and enables energy transfer through its elastic material properties. This consolidation achieves the desired camber shape without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 design ensures proper load distribution and energy transfer during turns, mimicking the performance of traditional skis while maintaining portability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting platform is formed in the shape of ski camber bent upwards in an arcuate manner and formed from an elastic material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a folding ski for sporting or military purposes. The technical problem is how to conceive a folding ski that provides such mechanical and dynamic properties of the ski as possessed by a traditional, non-folding ski. The folding ski (1) of the invention comprises a ski front section (2), a ski rear section (3), a folding connection that inseparably connects the rear end (2b) of the ski front section with the front end (3a) of the ski rear section, a connecting platform (5) that is intended to stiffen the folding connection (4), wherein the connecting platform has at least four tongues on the connecting platform and four grooves on the ski, which grooves, in the functional state of the ski, engage the tongues of the connecting platform, wherein the connecting platform is formed in the shape of ski camber bent upwards in an arcuate manner and formed from an elastic material.