Skateboard Truck Second Pivot Eliminates Hanger Play
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skateboard trucks experience instability and inconsistent handling due to horizontal motion of the hanger with respect to the base plate, especially at high speeds and during radical maneuvers, caused by the kingpin bushings, which also limit the rider's ability to turn effectively.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a support pin with a compressible bushing that provides a second pivot, allowing for consistent compression of the kingpin bushings and distributing the rider's weight, thereby maintaining truck geometry and improving stability by eliminating horizontal play and enhancing shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If kingpin bushings are used to connect the hanger to the base plate, then the truck allows turning motion, but horizontal motion of the hanger occurs causing instability and inconsistent handling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the weight-bearing and motion-control functions into two separate pivot points: the kingpin pivot for turning motion and the support pin pivot for vertical weight bearing. This segmentation prevents the kingpin bushings from experiencing horizontal motion while still allowing necessary turning movement, thereby maintaining stable truck geometry during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pin acts as an intermediary element that carries the rider's weight through a separate pivot point, preventing direct horizontal force transmission to the kingpin bushings. This intermediary structure eliminates the harmful horizontal play while preserving the turning capability through the kingpin mechanism.
2Force
If additional weight is applied to the truck, then the rider's weight is supported, but compression of the kingpin bushings changes resulting in unpredictable turning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the force-bearing path by introducing a support pin that carries vertical weight independently. This separates the weight support function from the turning control function, ensuring that rider weight and turning forces act through different pivot points, thereby maintaining predictable handling characteristics under load.
3Force
If the kingpin bushings are compressed, then the rider's weight is carried, but the maximum length of the kingpin bushings is limited by geometry change
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pivot functions and placing the support pin close to the kingpin, the invention allows the kingpin bushings to be longer without causing excessive geometry change during turns. The support pin absorbs vertical compression, enabling the kingpin bushings to maintain their length and provide consistent handling throughout the turning range.
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
This design provides improved stability and predictable handling by maintaining consistent truck geometry and allowing longer kingpin bushings, offering better resistance and shock absorption during turns and jumps.
Implementation Method 1
A support pin bushing under the cylindrical end is compressible and both carries some of a rider's weight
Implementation Method 2
The combination of kingpin bushing preload, and weight carried by the support pin, tends to equalize the compression of the top and bottom kingpin bushings
Implementation Method 3
The support pin provides a second pivot that eliminates horizontal play of the hanger
Implementation Method 4
a cylindrical end slideably engaging a cylindrical passage in a base plate
Data Source
AI summary
A skateboard truck maintains truck geometry. The truck includes a support pin including a cylindrical end slideably engaging a cylindrical passage in a base plate, and a ball end residing in a socket in a hanger. A support pin bushing under the cylindrical end is compressible and both carries some of a rider's weight and holds the ball end in the socket providing a second pivot to the truck. The second pivot eliminates horizontal play of the hanger thereby facilitating consistent compression of the kingpin bushings and improved stability of the skateboard. Support pin travel allows off-center kingpin bushing compression for steering and improves shock absorption. Eliminating horizontal play allows lengthened kingpin bushings and use of the entire height of the kingpin bushings. The combination of kingpin bushing preload, and weight carried by the support pin, tends to equalize the compression of the top and bottom kingpin bushings improving stability.