Roller Land Ski with Curved Axles for Snow Skiing Replication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current roller skiing systems fail to replicate the movements and feeling of snow skiing on dry surfaces, lacking the ability to perform tricks, carving, and grinding on rails, and do not mimic the mechanics of snow skiing, such as sliding and stopping.
Innovation Solution
A roller land ski system with a rigid platform, curved axles, omnidirectional casters, and specialized boots that provide ankle support and flexibility, allowing for omnidirectional movement, carving, and shock absorption, while enabling users to perform maneuvers similar to snow skiing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional roller skiing systems are used, then basic movement on dry surfaces is enabled, but the ability to perform carving, tricks, and maneuvers similar to snow skiing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ski incorporates a dynamic wheel assembly where wheels can rotate and pivot to adapt to different terrains and maneuvers. The wheels are mounted on a curved axle that allows them to dynamically adjust their orientation, enabling both straight-line travel and carving motions on dry surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The ski is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid platform for stability, a curved axle mechanism for maneuverability, and multiple wheels that can independently rotate. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific functions, enhancing overall versatility while maintaining ease of operation.
2Speed
If pivoted wheels are used for turning, then turning capability is achieved, but the ability to perform quick weight shifts and fluid carving motions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The axle is designed with a curved geometry rather than a straight configuration. This curvature allows the wheels to naturally follow arc-shaped paths during turns, enabling faster turning speeds while maintaining smooth weight transfer. The curved shape mimics the natural motion of snow skiing carving, allowing users to perform quick weight shifts without jerky movements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid platform is used for stability, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to absorb shock and provide flexibility for maneuvers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed with non-uniform properties: the central area remains rigid for stability during straight-line travel, while the edges and mounting points incorporate flexible elements and curved geometries that provide shock absorption and adaptability for maneuvers. This local differentiation allows the platform to maintain overall stability while providing localized flexibility where needed.
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
The system allows for a more authentic skiing experience on dry surfaces, including carving, sliding, and stopping, while providing the necessary support and flexibility for tricks and maneuvers, enhancing the overall skiing experience.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a tension mechanism to urge said wheel of said caster to a stable forward-facing position when no force is applied to the independent platform
Implementation Method 2
Each truck has a curved axle on either side of the truck and said curved axles extend away from each of said trucks in a semicircular arch wherein the distal ends of said axles are closer to the surface of said rigid platform to enhance the turning radius
Implementation Method 3
The internal liner, the upper of flexible material, and the sole are bonded through sonic welding to form a unitary piece
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and apparatus for replicating the experience of snow skiing on dry land using a roller land ski with an ability to move and stop consistent with mechanics of an actual snow ski. Each land ski includes a rigid platform with a binding for engagement with a specialized boot, a pair of biased omnidirectional casters supporting said rigid platform, but mounted to a top surface of said platform, and a pair of trucks with a plurality of wheels along its curved axles. A pair of specialized boots constructed out of flexible lightweight material with a stiff support structure to fortify a user's foot and ankle from the forces created by the land ski are included in this system. The method includes calibration and selection of materials for both the board and boot in order to achieve the desired experience.