Sit-ski Suspension with Adjustable Kinematics and Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension devices for sit-ski chairs lack adaptability to different skiing disciplines, snow types, and ski types, requiring a range of devices with fixed parameters, leading to a lack of standardization and user-adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A suspension device with a support frame formed by two parallel flanges and a damping element, featuring adjustable attachment points for rods and a sliding damping element, allowing for customizable kinematics and damping ratios, enabling standardized components that can be easily adjusted by users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed parameters are used at factory construction, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different skiing disciplines and conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable attachment points on the frame that allow the kinematic parameters to be dynamically changed by the user. The frame includes multiple holes at different positions where links can be reattached, enabling modification of the suspension geometry and damping characteristics without requiring different complete devices for each skiing discipline.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows changing of geometric parameters of the suspension system by repositioning the attachment points of the links and damping elements. The frame provides a series of predetermined positions that enable adjustment of link lengths, angles, and damping ratios to optimize performance for different skiing conditions while maintaining a single standardized device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a range of devices with different fixed parameters is provided, then adaptability to different criteria is improved, but standardization and storage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal frame structure that can accommodate multiple configurations of links, damping elements, and attachment points. This single standardized frame serves multiple functions by allowing the user to reconfigure the same components for different skiing disciplines, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is divided into separable components (links, damping elements, attachment points) that can be independently adjusted and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the same frame to support different combinations of components for optimizing performance across various skiing conditions without requiring complete device replacements.
3Productivity
If standardized kinematics are used, then production efficiency is improved, but user-adjustability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is pre-equipped with multiple attachment points and adjustment mechanisms during manufacturing, preparing the device in advance for user customization. This preliminary preparation of adjustment interfaces allows users to easily reconfigure the standardized kinematics for their specific needs without complex assembly procedures.
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 standardized kinematics that can be adapted to various skiing conditions, improving production efficiency and user-adjustability, while allowing for precise adjustment of damping and seat angles, facilitating better performance across different skiing disciplines.
Implementation Method 1
a damping element controlled by an operating lock
Implementation Method 2
or an elastic element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A suspension system for a sit-ski chair, comprising a frame (11) supporting a seat (12) mounted on a ski boot (14) by means of a linkage (15) with connecting rods (16, 17) forming a deformable quadrilateral, and a shock-absorbing element (30) controlled by a locking mechanism (32). The frame (11) is formed by the assembly of two parallel flanges (24, 25) symmetrical with respect to the vertical median plane, each flange (24, 25) having a plurality of adjustment holes (27, 28) for positioning the upstream ends of the connecting rods (16, 17) on the frame (11). The downstream ends of the connecting rods (16, 17) are articulated on a base (21), which can be fixed or adjustable by sliding along a longitudinal guide rail (20) integral with the ski boot (14). The upper axis (37) of the shock-absorbing element (30) moves after unlocking the lock (32) in a slide (31) provided in each flange (24,25).