Knee Board Open Kick Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee boards lack an efficient design for propulsion and steering, particularly for children, which limits their recreational and sporting use by restricting the length and forcefulness of the propulsion stroke and providing inadequate steering mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a body with a knee support region and an open kick region that allows for extended foot contact with the ground, combined with a steering assembly operatively coupled to the front wheel assembly and an optional braking assembly, enabling users to steer and brake effectively while maintaining a kneeling position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the knee board body is designed with a closed structure to support the user's knees, then knee support and stability are improved, but the propulsion stroke length and forcefulness are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The body is segmented into distinct regions: a closed knee support region that provides stability, and an open kick region that allows full foot movement. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the functions of knee support and foot propulsion into different spatial zones within the body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The open kick region extends laterally adjacent to the knee support region, creating a three-dimensional space that accommodates both knee support and full-range foot motion. This dimensional arrangement allows the foot to move through the open kick region without compromising knee support stability.
2Device complexity
If the knee board is designed without a steering mechanism to simplify the structure, then device complexity is reduced, but steering control and user directionality are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support as part of the body framework and simultaneously functions as a steering mechanism. The user can manipulate the gripping member to steer the knee board, eliminating the need for a separate complex steering mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
3Strength
If the knee board body is designed with minimal openings to maximize structural integrity, then strength and durability are improved, but foot contact with the ground for propulsion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The body is divided into a closed knee support region for structural strength and an open kick region for foot contact. This segmentation allows the majority of the body to maintain structural integrity while providing a dedicated open space for propulsion movements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the body have different structural qualities: the knee support region is closed and structurally robust, while the kick region is open to allow foot movement. This local differentiation of structural quality resolves the contradiction between overall strength and local foot contact capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Knee boards for riding in a kneeling position on a ground surface and methods of riding the same. Knee boards include a body with a knee support region, front and rear wheel assemblies, and a gripping member. The body defines an open kick region laterally adjacent to the knee support region. The open kick region permits a user to extend his/her foot to contact and kick the ground surface to propel the knee board and the user along the ground. Some knee boards include a left knee support region and a right knee support region laterally spaced from the left knee support region, and which collectively define the open kick region therebetween. Some knee boards include a central knee support region and a body that defines a left kick region and a right kick region to the left and right of the knee support region, respectively.