Hinged Ski Skin Attachment Device for Varying Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching climbing skins to skis or snowboards are limited in their ability to accommodate varying ski or snowboard shapes and widths, often requiring special recesses or manual adjustments, and can result in increased weight, friction, and snow build-up due to the attachment methods.
Innovation Solution
A hinged apparatus with opposing holders that can adjust to fit different ski or snowboard shapes and widths, allowing for automatic adaptation without the need for special recesses, and can be used with both glued and unglued skins, featuring a connector that can be sandwiched between layers of the skin for improved adhesion and reduced profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed attachment device is used for climbing skins, then the attachment is simple and reliable, but it cannot accommodate varying ski or snowboard shapes and widths
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device incorporates a hinged connector that can pivot and adjust its angle, transforming from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the device to adapt to different ski tip shapes and angles automatically when the ski is inserted, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device is divided into separate functional components: opposing holders that grip the ski sides, and a hinged connector that links them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve overall adaptability to various ski geometries.
2Reliability
If special recesses are added to the ski for attachment, then the attachment security is improved, but the ski manufacturing complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device serves as an intermediary component between the climbing skin and the ski. Instead of modifying the ski with recesses, the device provides its own gripping mechanism with opposing holders that clamp onto the ski surface, achieving secure attachment without altering the ski structure.
3Strength
If a rigid connector is used between holders, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate different ski angles and shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a hinge joint that allows controlled movement and angle adjustment. This dynamic design maintains structural strength through proper material selection and hinge construction while enabling the connector to adapt to different ski tip angles and shapes automatically during attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for attaching a climbing skin to a ski or snowboard is provided as are kits and climbing skins joined to such apparatus. Included is an apparatus for attaching a climbing skin to a front portion of a ski or snowboard, the front portion including ski sides which converge toward a front end of the ski or snowboard, the apparatus including: (i) opposing first and second holders, each holder being configured to receive one of the converging ski sides; and (ii) a connector between the first and second holders which includes at least one hinge. Also included is a kit including the apparatus and a climbing skin. Also included is a climbing skin having a fastener, the fastener including a portion which is retained between layers of the skin and one or more portions which extend from the skin for attachment of the skin to a ski or snowboard.