Roller Ski Shock Absorber with Segmented Rubber Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shock absorber systems for roller skis fail to effectively mitigate vibrations and uneven surface impacts, particularly during turns and uneven terrain, leading to muscle fatigue and improper technique emulation of skiing on snow.

Innovation Solution

A shock absorber system connectable to a shaft supporting roller ski wheels, featuring a wheel support with a rubber or rubber-like material around the centered position, incorporating a one-way rotating ball bearing to prevent backward rolling and absorb vibrations through a non-metallic connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a shock absorber system is arranged between wheels and roller ski body, then vibrations from hard road surfaces are reduced, but the system fails to independently handle movements on both sides during turns and uneven terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevibrationsVSAvoidindependent movement handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorber system is segmented into two independent units, with each unit handling one wheel independently. Each shock absorber unit comprises a shock absorber element arranged between the wheel axis and the roller ski body, allowing independent operation on each side of the ski during turns and uneven terrain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each shock absorber unit is designed with specific local characteristics including a spring element with predetermined spring rate, a bumper element with specific hardness, and a damper element with controlled damping characteristics. These local quality variations allow each side to independently adapt to different terrain conditions while maintaining overall system performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a rigid connection is used between wheel axis and roller ski body, then structural strength is maintained, but vibrations are transmitted to the skier causing muscle fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidvibrations transmitted to skier

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shock absorber element is introduced as an intermediary component between the wheel axis and the roller ski body. This intermediary comprises a spring element for elastic energy storage, a bumper element for impact absorption, and a damper element for vibration damping, thereby reducing vibrations transmitted to the skier while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorber system employs composite material principles by combining different material properties within the shock absorber element - elastic materials for spring functionality, viscoelastic materials for damping, and rigid materials for structural support. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of vibration reduction and structural strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shock absorber elements are made softer to reduce vibrations, then ride comfort improves, but the roller ski becomes unstable on hard surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevibrationsVSAvoidstability on hard surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorber system is designed with dynamic characteristics including velocity-dependent damping and progressive spring rates. The damper element provides higher damping forces at higher velocities to maintain stability during aggressive maneuvers, while allowing softer response at lower velocities for comfort during normal riding conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adjustment of key parameters including spring rate, damper damping coefficient, and bumper hardness. These parameter changes enable optimization of the balance between vibration reduction and stability according to specific riding conditions, terrain types, and skier preferences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances the emulation of skiing on snow by reducing vibrations and adjusting to uneven surfaces, improving muscle engagement and technique, and providing a smoother ride.

Implementation Method 1

a circular shaped rubber or rubber like material is arranged around the centered position supporting the end part of a shaft supporting a roller ski wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a one-way rotating ball bearing to prevent backward rolling and absorb vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP4469173B1A shock absorber system connectable to a roller ski wheel shaft

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 HGL INVEST AG

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AI summary

A shock absorber system according to the present invention is connectable to a shaft (16) supporting a roller ski wheel (13), wherein a circular shaped rubber or rubber like material (10) is arranged around a centered position (11) of a wheel support (14) supporting an end part of the shaft (16) supporting the roller ski wheel (13).