Nonlinear Runner Sled with Friction-Reducing Skis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for training equipment that can simulate game-like conditions for speed, strength, and agility training on basketball courts, as existing athletic training sleds are not suitable for wood, concrete, or asphalt surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A training sled with nonlinear tubular runners, a weight-bearing member, and removable skis with a friction-reducing layer, along with adjustable handlebars and a locking pin system, designed to allow for effective strength and agility training on various court surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional athletic training sleds are used on basketball court surfaces (wood, concrete, asphalt), then the sled structure provides stability and weight-bearing capacity, but the runners create excessive friction and cannot move smoothly on these surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces skis as an intermediary component between the sled runners and the court surface. These skis have a friction-reducing layer on their bottom portions that specifically addresses the harmful friction when moving across wood, concrete, or asphalt surfaces, while the skis themselves attach to and support the traditional sled structure
Solution Approach 2:
The skis are constructed with composite materials featuring a friction-reducing layer on the bottom surface. This composite structure combines materials with low friction properties to enable smooth movement on basketball court surfaces while maintaining the structural integrity needed to support the sled and athlete
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed training equipment is used to simulate game-like conditions, then the equipment provides stable support for strength training, but it cannot be easily adapted to different court surfaces or training configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The training system is segmented into separate, interchangeable components: the main sled body, the skis with friction-reducing layers, and the handlebars. This segmentation allows the skis and handlebars to be easily attached or removed from the sled, enabling quick adaptation to different court surfaces and training configurations without redesigning the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
The sled is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple configurations through interchangeable skis and handlebars. The same sled body can be used across different court surfaces (wood, concrete, asphalt) and for various training exercises by simply changing the attached components, making the device versatile without adding complexity to the core structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If handlebars are positioned at fixed heights on the sled, then the structure remains simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate different training postures and athlete preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The handlebar system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. Handlebars can be positioned at different heights and locations on the sled, allowing athletes to adjust their training postures according to their preferences and training goals. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through attachment mechanisms that enable repositioning without complicating the overall structure
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 trainees to develop power, speed, and agility by simulating game conditions, with the sled and ski accessories allowing for low-friction movement and adjustable training postures, enhancing strength and power development in key muscle groups.
Implementation Method 1
A friction-reducing layer may be disposed on a bottom portion of each of the pair of skis
Data Source
AI summary
A training sled including a pair of nonlinear runners is disclosed arranged in parallel relative to a center axis and a plane. A head crossbar may extend between first ends of the runners and may be joined thereto so as to form a U-shaped member with the runners. A weight bearing member may be affixed to and extend between the pair of nonlinear runners near mid-sections thereof. A rear crossbar may extend between and may be disposed above the plane of the runners proximate second ends thereof and may be joined thereto opposite the head crossbar.