Kneeboard with Handrail for Progressive Balance Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Board sports such as surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding require mastery of three fundamental balances - side-to-side, front-to-back, and one foot-two foot balance - which are challenging for learners to master simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A lean steering riding device with a frame and deck assembly, hand rail, front and rear truck assemblies with wheels, and a detachable push/pull handle that allows riders to practice side-to-side balance and lean steering initially, then progress to front-to-back and one foot-two foot balance in a sequential and interactive manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rider attempts to master all three types of balance (side-to-side, front-to-back, and one foot-two foot) simultaneously in traditional board sports, then comprehensive balance skill is improved, but the learning difficulty and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive balance skillVSAvoidlearning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the learning process by dividing the three types of balance skills into sequential stages. Side-to-side balance is mastered first using the kneeboard with handrail support, then front-to-back balance is introduced, and finally one foot-two foot balance is practiced. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by breaking down the overwhelming task into manageable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handrail assembly serves as a preliminary support structure that stabilizes the rider during the initial learning phase. By providing this external support, the rider can focus exclusively on side-to-side balance without the added complexity of maintaining front-to-back balance simultaneously. This preliminary action creates a controlled learning environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional board sports are used for learning, then realistic board sport experience is provided, but safety risks increase due to difficulty of mastering multiple balance skills simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboard sport experienceVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The kneeboard design inherently provides cushioning by allowing the rider to kneel on the board rather than stand. This position lowers the center of gravity and provides a more stable base. Additionally, the handrail assembly acts as a protective element that the rider can hold onto for support, reducing the risk of falls and injuries during the learning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The handrail assembly serves as an intermediary support element between the rider and the unstable board environment. It provides a stable reference point and physical support that mediates the transition from land-based balance to board-based balance, reducing safety risks while maintaining learning authenticity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If all balance skills are practiced together from the beginning, then learning efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation and control decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelearning efficiencyVSAvoidease of control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a dynamic learning approach where the difficulty level is adjusted through the optional use of the handrail assembly. Beginners can use the handrail for enhanced stability and control, making operation easier. As skills progress, the handrail can be removed or used less frequently, increasing the challenge and improving learning efficiency. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both ease of operation and learning efficiency at different stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If a fixed learning progression is imposed, then skill development is improved, but adaptability to different learner needs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskill developmentVSAvoidadaptability to learner needs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handrail assembly serves multiple functions: it provides stability support for beginners, acts as a steering aid for intermediate learners, and can be completely removed for advanced riders. This multi-functionality allows the same device to adapt to different skill levels and learning paces, maintaining skill development progression while accommodating individual learner needs and preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10881946B1Board sport learning kneeboard

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 RC INNOVATION LLC

AI summary

A truck with two rigid bodies and an elastomeric component wherein a front truck and a rear truck may be connected with a frame to comprise a riding device with a longitudinal roll axis coincident with a virtual line between a front virtual pivot point and a rear virtual pivot point. Each virtual pivot point is located at the intersection of a line projecting upward from the central point of a hanger axle axis and a hanger pivot axis. Virtual pivot points are the points about which the front and rear hanger pivot axis rotate as a result of rider input leaning to the right or left.