Roller Ski Coupler With Friction Locking for Easier Carrying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roller skis are difficult for users, especially children, to put on and carry due to their weight and size, and existing solutions do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional system for roller skis featuring a coupler with releasable engagement and friction locking mechanisms that allows easy assembly, disassembly, and transport, including ergonomic grips and optional anti-theft features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If roller skis are designed with sufficient weight and size for structural stability, then they provide adequate strength and stability, but they become difficult for users to put on and carry
Solution Approach 1:
The roller ski system is divided into separate components (skis, binding, coupler) that can be assembled and disassembled. The coupler acts as an intermediary element that connects the two skis together, allowing the system to be configured in different states (connected for transport, separated for use) without compromising the structural integrity of each individual component
2Ease of operation
If roller skis are designed as a single stable unit for easy transport, then they become easier to carry, but they lose the ability to be easily put on and taken off
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler serves as an intermediary element between the two roller skis, providing a standardized connection interface. This mediator component enables simple connection and disconnection of the skis without requiring complex assembly mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of transport while allowing quick setup and takedown
Solution Approach 2:
The connection points on the roller skis are pre-configured with standardized interfaces (grooves, extensions) that anticipate the coupling operation. The coupler is designed with complementary features that fit these pre-prepared connection points, enabling users to quickly connect or disconnect the skis without requiring complex alignment or adjustment procedures
3Ease of operation
If a releasable connection mechanism is added to enable easy assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed as a universal connection device that serves multiple functions: it connects the two roller skis together for transport, provides a fixed distance between them for stability, and includes friction locking means to secure the connection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity while improving ease of operation
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 easier donning and carrying of roller skis, even for those unable to sit down, with enhanced usability and security options.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first spacer end and of the first connecting part includes a friction locking means, such that the first spacer end is friction-locked by the at least one friction locking means in a working position relative to the first connecting part, after a relative rotation of the first end of the spacer and the first connecting part
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-function system (M) for a pair of roller skis (S1, S2), comprising first and second connecting parts (1, 2) and a coupler (3) configured to releasably connect the first roller ski (S1) to the second roller ski (S2), to form a stable assembly and impose a fixed distance between the first and second connecting parts (1, 2). The coupler (3) includes a first spacer end (311) configured to releasably engage with the first connecting part (1). At least one of the first spacer end (311) and the first connecting part (1) includes a friction locking means (5), such that the first spacer end (311) is locked relative to the first connecting part (1) after a relative rotation. The invention also relates to a roller ski kit comprising a pair of roller skis (S1, S2), and a system (M).