Motorized Ski Track System for Uphill Climbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skiing equipment, particularly skis with sealskins, are prone to deterioration, require frequent maintenance, are difficult and tiring to use, and are costly and complex to implement, making them unsuitable for easy uphill climbing and modification on existing skis.
Innovation Solution
The development of skiing equipment featuring a track system integrated into the ski, comprising a belt wound longitudinally around the ski, a hinge constraining the belt ends, and a motor system for controlling the track's movement, allowing for easy uphill climbing without significant structural modifications to the ski.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sealskins are used on ski bases to ensure greater grip for climbing, then climbing capability is improved, but the equipment is prone to easy deterioration and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the durable but complex sealskin system with a simpler, more replaceable track system. The track can be easily removed and replaced without significant maintenance, effectively treating it as a consumable component that simplifies the overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the climbing function from the traditional sealskin approach and implements it through a separate, modular track system that can be independently maintained and replaced, separating the climbing mechanism from the ski base itself.
2Ease of operation
If sealskins are used to provide grip for climbing, then forward movement is enabled, but the equipment becomes difficult and extremely demanding to use, requiring considerable physical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is designed to automatically engage and disengage from the ski base without requiring complex manual operations. The motorized drive mechanism automatically propels the track, reducing the physical effort and operational complexity required from the user compared to manual sealskin deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tracks are applied onto the ski to enable climbing, then climbing function is added, but significant structural modifications to the ski are required
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is designed as a segmented, modular assembly that can be applied to the ski without modifying the ski's core structure. The track, drive mechanism, and support components are separate modules that attach to the existing ski, avoiding significant structural modifications while adding the climbing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system is designed as a universal attachment that can be applied to various ski types without custom structural modifications. The standardized mounting interface allows the same track assembly to be used on different ski models, enhancing adaptability while minimizing manufacturing complexity.
4Extent of automation
If complex track systems with motors are implemented on skis, then automated track movement is achieved, but the construction becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motorized drive mechanism from the traditional ski structure and positions it as a separate, easily replaceable module. This extraction simplifies the overall construction by isolating the complex automated components into a self-contained unit that can be independently manufactured and maintained.
Data Source
AI summary
Skiing equipment (1) is provided comprising a ski (2); a track (3) closed on itself and wound around the ski (2); a mover of the track (3) around the ski (2); a fastening group (4) for at least one binding (4a, 4b) defining together with the ski (2) a channel (4c) for the sliding of the track (3); and wherein the track (3) comprises a belt (31) wound longitudinally around the ski (2) and defining two ends (31a, 31b); and a hinge (32) constraining the ends (31a, 31b).