Motorized Snowboard Track Segmentation for Steering Agility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized snowboards lack the agility and control of non-motorized snowboards, and are not well-suited for moderate hills and undulating terrains, limiting their recreational use.
Innovation Solution
A powered snowboard with an endless track and flexible lateral edges, supported by a frame assembly and an interchangeable chassis support pan, allowing for steering through foot and body movements, featuring a drive sprocket, idler wheels, and a cable or electromechanical control linkage, with flexible track sections and transverse lugs that flex to accommodate operator movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a motorized snowboard uses a rigid track and frame assembly, then structural strength and stability are improved, but agility and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The track is divided into multiple rigid sections connected by flexible elements (pleats or slots), allowing the track to bend and flex while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the track to accommodate steering movements without compromising the strength of individual sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The track assembly transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamic system with controlled flexibility. The flexible elements allow the track to adapt its shape during operation, enabling steering and maneuvering while the rigid sections provide necessary structural support.
2Ease of operation
If the track is made completely flexible to enable steering, then maneuverability is improved, but structural stability and support deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The track consists of discrete rigid sections that maintain their shape and provide structural support, connected by flexible elements that enable controlled bending. This segmentation ensures that flexibility is localized to specific joints rather than the entire track structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the track have different properties: rigid sections provide structural stability and support, while the flexible elements (pleats or slots) localized at connection points provide maneuverability. Each section is optimized for its specific function.
3Ease of operation
If the snowboard uses conventional snowmobile-style controls, then ease of engine operation is improved, but the athletic experience and similarity to conventional snowboarding deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The foot control surfaces serve multiple functions: they control both the engine operation (throttle, brake) and the steering of the snowboard. This multi-functionality allows the operator to experience conventional snowboarding controls while also operating the engine, creating an integrated athletic experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator's body movements and weight shifts on the foot control surfaces directly control both propulsion and steering without requiring separate control mechanisms. The system uses the operator's natural movements to serve multiple control functions simultaneously.
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
Enables agile control and operation on various surfaces, including snow, ice, and sand, providing an athletic experience similar to riding a conventional snowboard, with improved maneuverability and traction.
Implementation Method 1
A track having a plurality of slits, pleats or other flexible or resilient surfaces that define flexible track regions that flex, expand and/or contract to accommodate body-shifting movements to steer the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
A vehicle with a support frame having a drive sprocket and a plurality of idler wheels that cooperate with an engine to drive a flexible track mounted to a surrounding chassis
Data Source
AI summary
A gasoline engine powered snowboard having an endless track trained about a support frame containing driven and idler wheels. A molded chassis having alternative contoured track support pans cooperate with flexible track surfaces (e.g. fringe or pleat members) and forward and rear foot supports to enable steering with foot and body movements. Engine operation is directed from an upright operator support column and directed servos coupled to the engine. One support pan exhibits a beveled contour and includes a recessed elliptic channel; another supports a reciprocating plate and steering wheels. Slit fringe members and pleats along right and left peripheral track edges cooperate with the pan contours and/or wheels to steer the vehicle. UHMW covered drive lugs and formed UHMW stiffener surfaces project from internal track surfaces. Ground contact lugs exhibit contoured thickness profiles, elongated, inverted V-shapes and include recesses. Diverter and agitator assemblies rid snow and ice from the track support assembly.