Motorized Snowboard With Universal Mounting Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snowboarders face inefficiencies and energy expenditure when traversing flat or inclined terrain due to the lack of a reliable and unobtrusive power system that maintains the natural riding experience, as existing powered snowboards often require cumbersome modifications or alter the traditional feel of the board.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered motor/wheel array system with specialized snow propellers, mounted on a universal plate that fits standard binding holes, utilizing shock absorbers for traction and articulation, allowing for symmetrical contact and natural edge control, and featuring interchangeable propellers for varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a motorized power system is added to enable propulsion across flat and inclined terrain, then mobility and efficiency are improved, but the board requires cumbersome modifications and the rider no longer feels like they are riding a traditional snowboard
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized system is divided into separate motor/wheel array modules that can be independently mounted on the snowboard. Each array is a self-contained unit with its own motor, wheel, and mounting structure, allowing modular installation and removal without permanently modifying the board itself.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal mounting plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the motor/wheel arrays and the snowboard. This plate interfaces with standard binding mounting holes, providing a standardized mounting interface that eliminates the need for custom modifications to the board while enabling secure attachment of the motorized components.
2Power
If motor/wheel arrays are mounted directly to the board, then propulsion capability is achieved, but the added weight and structural modifications compromise the natural riding experience
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/wheel arrays are mounted on hinges that allow them to dynamically adjust their position and angle relative to the snowboard. This dynamic mounting enables the arrays to articulate and adapt to terrain variations, maintaining optimal contact with the snow surface while preserving the board's natural flex and ride characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Shock absorbers are incorporated to counterbalance the weight of the motor/wheel arrays and provide downward force to maintain wheel-snow contact. These shock absorbers compensate for the added weight, allowing the arrays to press into the snow for traction while preventing excessive weight from compromising control and maneuverability.
3Productivity
If snow propellers are used to engage the snow surface for traction, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but the system becomes more complex and less adaptable to varying snow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides for interchangeable snow propellers with different configurations optimized for various snow conditions. Riders can change propeller parameters such as blade pitch, diameter, or tread pattern to match specific snow conditions, maintaining propulsion efficiency across different environments without requiring a completely different system.
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 effortless and efficient movement across flat and inclined terrain without compromising the natural riding experience, reducing weight impact and enhancing control, while allowing riders to maintain traditional snowboarding techniques and synergy with the board.
Implementation Method 1
battery powered motor/wheel array
Implementation Method 2
battery powered motor
Implementation Method 3
Shock absorbers can also be utilized to provide downward force to the motor/wheel arrays, and allow upward articulation to accommodate inclined terrain.
Implementation Method 4
fitted with specialized snow propellers designed for various snow conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention provides a snowboard that is propelled over the snow by a battery powered motor/wheel array. The preferred embodiments include a pair of motor/wheel arrays disposed on both sides of the board, on which are fitted specialized snow propellers designed for various snow conditions. The motor and wheel array are attached to the snowboard with a universal mounting plate, which utilizes any snowboard's standard binding mounting holes or channels. The motor/wheel array can be mounted to the board with L shaped brackets, or alternatively with spring loaded hinges. The motor/wheel arrays can be elevated with spacers, which position the wheels slightly lower than the deck of the board to provide traction during propulsion. Shock absorbers can also be utilized to provide downward force to the motor/wheel arrays, and allow upward articulation to accommodate inclined terrain.