Segmented Sensor Surface for High-Resolution Ski Pressure Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring arrangements for gliding boards lack the ability to accurately and efficiently determine force and pressure distribution in both longitudinal and transverse directions with high resolution, particularly for individual adaptation to users, and do not simulate realistic inclinations of ski routes.

Innovation Solution

A measuring arrangement with a sensor surface divided into numerous sections, capable of inclination relative to longitudinal and transverse axes, using force sensors to generate electrical signals evaluated by a computer unit, allowing for spatially resolved force and pressure distribution measurements, and enabling simulation of various ski route inclines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor surface is divided into numerous sensor surface sections in longitudinal and transverse directions, then measurement precision of force and pressure distribution is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce and pressure distribution measurement precisionVSAvoidsensor device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor surface is divided into multiple sensor surface sections in both longitudinal and transverse directions, with each section containing force sensors. This segmentation enables high-resolution measurement of force and pressure distribution across the gliding board surface, directly resolving the measurement precision requirement while managing complexity through modular sensor arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor surface is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis by means of a tilting device, adding a dimensional aspect to the measurement system. This allows measurement of pressure distribution on inclined surfaces, expanding the measurement capability beyond flat surfaces and addressing the need for realistic ski route simulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor surface is tilted relative to longitudinal axis by means of tilting device, then adaptability to different ski route inclinations is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to ski route inclinationsVSAvoidmeasuring arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor surface is made tiltable relative to the longitudinal axis through a tilting device, transforming a static measurement surface into a dynamic one that can adapt to different inclination angles. This enables the system to simulate various ski route conditions and measure pressure distribution under different gravitational vector orientations, directly improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reproducible, high-resolution measurement of force and pressure distribution, allowing for individual adaptation of gliding boards and foot-receiving units to users, optimizing riding characteristics by simulating realistic ski route inclinations and adjusting components like ski boots and gliding surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

each sensor surface section has at least one force sensor that outputs the force generated by the person acting on the sensor surface section as an electrical signal that can be evaluated by a computer unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce sensor transduction: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3387401B1Measuring arrangement for testing skis and snowboards
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 MOLIBSO ENTWICKLUNGS UND VERTRIEBS GMBH
  • EP3387401B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3387401B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3387401B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring arrangement (1) for testing skis and snowboards (2) or sports equipment with a planar contact surface, the arrangement comprising a sensor device, onto which at least one ski or snowboard (2) or piece of sports equipment can be laid. The sensor device has a sensor surface (3) which is predominantly sub-divided in a longitudinal and transverse direction into a plurality of sensor-surface sections (4), each of said sensor-surface sections (4) having at least one force sensor which outputs the force acting on the sensor-surface section (4) as an electrical signal that is evaluated by a computer unit (5).