Skateboard Wheel Cover Using Nested Soft Durometer for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional skateboard wheels are hard, noisy, and inefficient for navigating rough terrain, requiring time-consuming replacement for softer wheels to improve performance.
Innovation Solution
A slip-on attachment unit with a softer durometer material that fits over existing skateboard wheels, providing a frictional engagement to convert them for smoother, quieter, and faster riding on rough terrain without manual dexterity or physical exertion, featuring adjustable attachment devices and materials for secure fit and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If softer wheels are used to improve comfort and performance on rough terrain, then riding smoothness and speed are improved, but wheel replacement time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cover is designed to fit over the existing skateboard wheel, creating a nested structure where the softer wheel cover encompasses the harder original wheel. This allows the benefits of softer wheels without removing the original wheels, eliminating replacement time while improving riding smoothness on rough terrain
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel system is segmented into two functional layers: the original hard wheel provides structural support and basic rolling function, while the separate softer wheel cover provides enhanced comfort and terrain negotiation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and easy attachment/detachment of the cover
2Ease of operation
If harder skateboard wheels are used for tricks and maneuvers, then ease of performing maneuvers is improved, but noise and performance on rough terrain worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The hard original wheel remains nested inside the softer wheel cover, maintaining its maneuverability properties while the outer softer layer absorbs noise and vibrations generated during riding, especially on rough terrain
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the wheel system have different hardness properties optimized for different functions: the inner wheel maintains hardness for trick performance while the outer cover provides softer contact with the ground for noise reduction and terrain compliance
3Adaptability or versatility
If wheel replacement is performed to change wheel characteristics, then performance adaptability is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cover serves multiple functions: it provides terrain adaptability by offering softer contact, reduces noise, and can be easily attached or removed to change wheel characteristics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate wheel sets while achieving the same adaptability goals
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 quick conversion of skateboard wheels for improved performance on rough terrain, maintaining ease of use and control while allowing for faster, quieter rides without the need for wheel replacement.
Implementation Method 1
A slip-on attachment unit with a softer durometer material that fits over existing skateboard wheels
Implementation Method 2
providing a frictional engagement to convert them for smoother, quieter, and faster riding on rough terrain
Data Source
AI summary
A skateboard wheel cover includes a circumferential lip, an inner surface connected to an inner portion of the circumferential lip, and an outer surface connected to an outer portion of the circumferential lip. The outer surface is a material with a durometer different than a durometer of the wheel. The cover further includes at least a first attachment device configured to selectively attach to a skateboard wheel.