Speed Control System for Roller Skis with Force Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current roller skis lack effective speed regulation and braking systems, posing safety risks for users, especially beginners, due to primitive brake mechanisms that are cumbersome and prone to variable effectiveness in various conditions.
Innovation Solution
A speed control system for wheeled articles, including roller skis, featuring a user actuator linked to brake units with a restriction mechanism that limits the braking force to a safe level, preventing abrupt speed control and ensuring user safety by mapping actuation to a partial range of brake unit activation, adjustable via user input or sensors based on speed, terrain, and user ability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If primitive brake mechanisms are used that require the user to bend their leg to operate, then the braking function is provided, but the ease of operation deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical brake mechanisms with a controlled force application system that uses a sensor to detect user intent and a controller to regulate the braking force, substituting direct mechanical operation with an automated control system that simplifies user interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system operates autonomously by detecting user intent through sensors and automatically applying the appropriate braking force without requiring the user to manually operate complex mechanical components, making the system self-regulating and easier to use
2Reliability
If full braking force is permitted to be applied by the user, then the braking effectiveness is improved, but the safety deteriorates due to risk of abrupt stops and loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect user intent and provide feedback to a controller, which then regulates the braking force application to ensure it remains within safe limits while maintaining effectiveness, creating a closed-loop control system that balances safety and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of braking force from a user-determined variable to a controlled parameter with defined limits, transforming the braking system from one that allows full user discretion to one that enforces safety parameters while maintaining braking capability
3Reliability
If brake mechanisms act on the outside of the wheel, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to variable effectiveness from dirt, gravel, and water accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces external mechanical contact brakes with an internal controlled force application system that acts through the wheel hub or axle, eliminating the reliability issues of external contact with contaminants while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized mounting interfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a speed control system, a method for using a speed control system, a use of a speed control system, a roller ski using the speed control system, and a ski pole insert for the speed control system. A speed control system (1) for limiting and/or regulating the speed of a wheeled article (2) is provided, wherein the wheeled article (2) comprises a body (4) and one or more wheels (6), the speed control system (1) adapted to, by actuation of a user actuator (12), actuate one or more brake units (10), and a restriction means (14) to limit the magnitude of a braking force applied to the one or more wheels (6) so as to enable a safe and controlled reduction in speed.