Adjustable Ski Structure Using Nitinol for Variable Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skiing and snowboarding equipment lacks the ability to dynamically adjust its stiffness, rocker, and camber properties in response to changing conditions, requiring multiple pieces of equipment for different scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of thermally responsive materials like nitinol and mechanical pulling mechanisms in skis and snowboards, allowing real-time adjustments through heating elements and mechanical systems to modify torsional stiffness, axial stiffness, and rocker/camber angles based on detected conditions or user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different pieces of sporting equipment are used for different skiing conditions, then the performance characteristics can be optimized for each condition, but the device complexity and quantity of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ski incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including thermally responsive materials that change stiffness properties based on temperature, and adjustable camber/rocker configurations that can be modified during use. This allows a single ski to adapt its performance characteristics to different skiing conditions without requiring multiple separate skis.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters of the ski such as stiffness, camber angle, and rocker angle dynamically. Thermally responsive materials alter the ski's mechanical properties in response to temperature changes, while mechanical adjustment systems modify the camber and rocker configurations, enabling one ski to perform optimally across various conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stiffness of the ski is fixed after manufacturing, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ability to adapt to changing snow conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ski incorporates self-regulating thermally responsive materials that automatically adjust their stiffness properties in response to temperature changes without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism allows the ski to adapt to changing conditions while minimizing the complexity of control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical adjustment systems with thermally responsive materials that passively change their properties based on temperature. This substitution reduces the complexity of mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining the ability to adapt stiffness to different conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thermally responsive materials are incorporated to enable real-time adjustments, then the adaptability to conditions improves, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ski uses composite construction combining traditional ski materials with thermally responsive materials such as shape memory alloys or phase change materials. These composite materials provide dynamic adjustment capabilities while integrating into the existing ski structure, balancing manufacturing complexity with functional benefits.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable camber and rocker mechanisms are added, then the performance customization improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable camber and rocker mechanisms are segmented into independent adjustable zones along the ski length. This allows different portions of the ski to have different camber and rocker settings, enabling fine-tuned performance customization while keeping individual adjustment mechanisms relatively simple.
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 a single set of equipment to adapt to varying conditions, enhancing control and reducing injury risk by providing customizable performance characteristics throughout the day.
Implementation Method 1
In some embodiments, the adjustment system 142 causes a phase change at one or more inlay components applied to the ski 200 by activating a heating element proximate to the inlay components.
Implementation Method 2
the inlay components may be comprised of a thermally responsive material that includes nitinol
Data Source
AI summary
A system for adjusting physical properties of a ski or snowboard, through use of one or more specially shaped components applied upon or embedded within the ski or snowboard, wherein the components may be comprised of a thermally responsive material that includes nitinol, and wherein the nitinol components may themselves be treated using a specific method in order to achieve desired transformation results that adjust stiffness, rocker, and in some cases camber angle of a ski.