Integrated Pole-to-Ski Coupling for Rigid Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ski carriage systems for short and intermediate hauls lack speed, convenience, and versatility, failing to provide a rigid handle, keep the ski tail clear for vertical rack insertion, and eliminate the need for separate carried items.
Innovation Solution
An integrated pole-to-ski quick coupling arrangement that uses coupling formations on ski poles and skis for rapid attachment and detachment, allowing the poles to act as handles and leaving the ski tail unencumbered for easy insertion into racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If skis and poles are carried separately in hands, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases due to repeated handling and arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines skis and poles into a single integrated carrying unit by attaching poles to the ski tips through brackets or clips. This merging eliminates the need to carry them separately, reducing the time required to arrange and handle them during short and intermediate hauls.
Solution Approach 2:
The ski pole serves dual functions: as a skiing tool and as a carrying handle when attached to the ski. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate carrying devices and reduces the time required to prepare for movement.
2Productivity
If skis are bound together with straps or clips, then productivity improves by eliminating separate items, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate modular components: brackets or clips attached to ski tips, and corresponding attachment points on pole handles. This segmentation allows for quick connection and disconnection while keeping each component simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, requiring minimal instruction or complex operations. The brackets and clips are intuitively designed to snap onto the poles, allowing users to quickly attach and detach without requiring complex procedures or additional tools.
3Ease of operation
If poles are attached to ski tips, then ease of operation improves by providing rigid handles, but the ski tail clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is localized to the ski tip area, using compact brackets or clips that attach poles close to the tip. This localized approach provides rigid handling control at the front while minimizing the impact on the overall ski length and tail clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The poles are attached in a configuration that extends forward from the ski tip rather than adding length to the ski body. This dimensional arrangement provides rigid handles for carrying while keeping the ski tail clearance largely intact by utilizing the space in front of the binding.
4Loss of time
If integrated coupling arrangements are used, then loss of time is reduced by eliminating separate devices, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the carrying function into the existing ski and pole structures by adding simple attachment mechanisms. This integration eliminates the need for separate carrying devices while keeping the added complexity minimal through the use of straightforward brackets and clips.
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated pole-to-ski coupling arrangement that provides coupling formations on a ski pole and ski that releasably connect the pole and ski to create a unitary ski-pole combination that leaves the rear tail of the ski clear and unencumbered. A pole coupling formation may be placed on either the shaft or the grip of the pole, and a ski coupling formation may be placed on the boot bindings or attachments thereto. Optionally, the surface formation of the boot bindings may be employed as ski coupling formations. Multiple pole and ski coupling formations allow for a secure and rigid connection.