Parallel Balance Board Tube Pivot Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balance boards do not allow riders to position their feet directly above the pivot axis, limiting the ability to replicate the lateral movement of a surfboard on water and perform surf-oriented maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A balance board system with an elongated board positioned parallel to a long, rigid tube, featuring traction regions made of compressible material and stops to inhibit lateral movement, allowing riders to pivot longitudinally and perform movements similar to surfing, with the board and tube aligned for a parallel pivot axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the board is positioned in a see-saw manner with feet spaced apart on either side of the cylinder, then the board can be balanced, but the rider cannot position feet directly above the pivot axis, limiting lateral movement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional see-saw configuration to a parallel alignment where the board's length is positioned substantially parallel to the roll axis of the tube. This dimensional reorientation allows the rider to place feet directly above the pivot axis while maintaining balance, enabling surf-like lateral movements that were previously impossible in conventional balance board designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the board is positioned parallel to the roll axis to enable lateral movement, then surf-like maneuvers become possible, but the pivot axis alignment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the board into distinct functional segments: traction regions made of compressible material positioned at specific locations, stops mounted near opposite ends, and the elongated planar board itself. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific purpose in achieving parallel pivot axis alignment and enabling lateral movement, while keeping the overall design manageable and not overly complex.
3Reliability
If traction regions with compressible material are added to the board, then grip and stability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the traction regions directly into the board structure as compressible material applied to the bottom surface, rather than adding separate discrete components. The stops are mounted directly to the board's underside. This merging approach provides the necessary grip and stability while minimizing additional complexity by combining multiple functions into unified structural elements.
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 riders to experience the sensation of surfing by allowing lateral movement and trick performance while keeping feet above the tube, providing traction, stability, and a smooth ride.
Implementation Method 1
each traction region comprising a compressible layer of material applied on the bottom of the board
Implementation Method 2
compressible layer of material applied on the bottom of the board
Data Source
AI summary
A balance board adapted for riding rail-to-rail, preferably so that at least a portion of a rider's feet will be placed on the board over the elongated tube. The balance board includes an elongated, planar board having a length that exceeds a width. The balance board further includes two pair of stops mounted to an underside of the board, each pair of stops being mounted near opposite ends of the board, and each stop of the pair of stops being mounted near opposite sides of the board. The balance board further includes a traction region between each stop of each pair of stop.