Rollerski Braking via Foot Rotation Torsion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking devices for roller skis and roller skates interfere with balance and require specific training, as they cannot replicate the snowplough braking technique used for snow skis, leading to instability and increased risk of falling.
Innovation Solution
A braking device with a rotating platform connected to the elongated body via a torsion mechanism, allowing users to perform a snowplough-like movement by rotating their feet to engage braking elements, maintaining balance and control similar to snow skiing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If braking devices with calipers and levers are used, then braking function is achieved, but balance control is interfered with and user stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system uses the user's own foot movement and body weight distribution to activate braking, eliminating the need for separate hand-operated controls. The foot-operated mechanism allows the user to brake while maintaining natural balance control through the same foot movements used for steering and propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot platform serves multiple functions: it is used for propulsion during normal skating, for steering by lateral movements, and for braking by forward movement. This multi-functionality integrates braking into the existing control paradigm without requiring separate dedicated controls that would interfere with balance.
2Reliability
If moving platforms with heel/tip vertical movement are used, then braking is enabled, but balance control and weight distribution capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The braking mechanism responds dynamically to the user's foot movement direction and speed. By moving the foot forward on the platform, the user dynamically activates the braking force, while the ability to move the foot laterally or backward maintains full control over weight distribution and balance throughout the braking process.
3Reliability
If hand-operated braking devices are used, then braking function is provided, but balance maintenance function deteriorates due to hand interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own foot movements to activate braking, eliminating the need for hand-operated controls. This self-service approach allows the user to maintain balance with both hands free while using foot movements that are already part of the natural skating motion pattern.
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 solution enables users to brake while maintaining balance and control, reducing the risk of falling and allowing for a familiar braking technique, making it easier for skiers to adapt their skills from snow skiing to roller sports.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion mechanism, allowing users to perform a snowplough-like movement by rotating their feet to engage braking elements
Implementation Method 2
engage braking elements, maintaining balance and control similar to snow skiing
Data Source
AI summary
A wheeled sport item, such as a roller ski or a roller skate, is suited to be applied to the foot of a user in order to allow the foot to slide in relation to the ground according to a movement direction parallel to the foot. The sport item includes an elongated body associated with two wheels; a platform associated with the elongated body, defining a supporting surface for the foot; and a brake for braking the wheels. The item also includes a connector for connecting the platform to the elongated body, which defines a rotation axis orthogonal to the supporting surface, in order to allow a rotation of the foot, and a controller sensitive to the rotation of the foot for the operation of the brake.