Seated Skiing Device with Adjustable Protrusions for Binding Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seated downhill snow riding devices are bulky, require customized interfaces, and lack versatility in switching between seated and upright positions, making them inconvenient for transportation and entertainment while riding.

Innovation Solution

A seated skiing and snowboarding device with adjustable toe and heel protrusions for compatibility with snow ski bindings, collapsible handle and thigh bars for compact storage, a shock absorber for comfort, and an optional audio system for entertainment, allowing riders to easily switch between seated and upright positions without additional tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a customized interface between seat assembly and snow ski/snowboard is used, then the seated riding function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and versatility to switch between seated and upright positions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch between seated and upright positionsVSAvoidcustomized interface between seat assembly and snow ski/snowboard

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seat assembly is designed with a universal mounting interface that can attach to both snow skis and snowboards using standard bindings, allowing the same device to function in multiple riding configurations (seated and upright positions) without requiring customized interfaces for different equipment types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the seat assembly is fixedly attached to the snow ski or snowboard, then the seated riding stability is improved, but the ease of operation to switch between positions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch between seated and upright positionsVSAvoidstability during seated riding

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seat assembly incorporates a dynamic mounting system with quick-release bindings that allow the rider to rapidly transition between attached (seated riding) and detached (upright riding) states, providing both stability when needed and ease of operation when switching positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the handlebars extend out laterally beyond the seat, then the control capability is improved, but the bulkiness increases making transportation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capability during seated ridingVSAvoidbulkiness of the device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The handlebars are designed to extend primarily in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back) rather than laterally (side-to-side), allowing the rider to maintain control capability while reducing the lateral width and overall bulkiness of the device for easier transportation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8308172B2Seated skiing or snowboarding device

Publication Date: 2012.11.13 GULBRANSON ERIKKA

AI summary

A seated skiing device having an adjustable heel protrusion and a fixed toe protrusion is provided. The distance between the toe and heel protrusions are adjustable such that the seated the skiing device may engage toe and heel bindings of a snow ski set to a riders ski boot. In this manner, the seated skiing device is engageable to the snow ski of the rider without any additional tools. Also, a seated snowboarding device is disclosed herein. The seated snowboarding device is removably attachable to standard front and rear bindings of a snowboard.