Electric Ski Assist With Cable Traction for Uphill Stride Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skiing techniques, including those used for uphill and flat ground movement, require significant physical effort from the skier, limiting distance and gradient covered and excluding individuals with less physical capacity.
Innovation Solution
An electric assistive device is attached to skis or roller skis, providing propulsion assistance by means of motor-driven cables and sliding plates that enhance stride length and reduce effort, with adjustable assistance levels and easy installation/removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional skiing equipment is used without assistance, then the skier must exert significant physical effort to move on flat ground and climb slopes, but this limits the distance and gradient that can be covered and excludes individuals with less physical capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical propulsion system (skier's muscles) with an electromechanical assistance system. An electric motor mounted on the ski provides supplemental propulsion force through a cable mechanism, reducing the mechanical effort required from the skier while maintaining the ability to cover greater distances and steeper gradients
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary assistance device positioned between the skier and the snow surface. This device includes a motor, cable system, and attachment mechanism that mediates the force transmission, providing supplemental propulsion without requiring direct human effort for all movements
2Ease of operation
If an electric assistive device is added to provide propulsion assistance, then the effort required is reduced and speed is increased, but the weight of the skis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the propulsion function into two independent components: the traditional skier-powered mechanism and the electric assistance mechanism. This segmentation allows the electric motor and its control systems to be added as a separate module rather than redesigning the entire ski system, enabling weight optimization of individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements adjustable assistance levels that can be modified according to the skier's needs and terrain conditions. The motor power output, cable tension, and engagement timing are variable parameters that can be optimized to provide minimal necessary assistance, reducing the weight of motor components required while still achieving the desired reduction in physical effort
3Productivity
If an electric assistive device is added to provide propulsion assistance, then assistance is provided and speed is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electric assistive device to perform multiple functions: providing propulsion assistance, sensing skier movement and terrain conditions, and controlling cable tension. The motor system serves both as the propulsion source and as part of the cable actuation mechanism, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements sensor systems that automatically detect skier movement, stride timing, and terrain characteristics, enabling the control system to adjust assistance levels without user input. The system self-regulates cable tension and motor engagement based on real-time conditions, reducing the complexity of user interfaces and control mechanisms
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
The device reduces the physical effort required for skiing on flat ground and uphill, extending the distance and gradient covered, and allows individuals with less physical capacity to participate, while maintaining minimal added weight and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring moves the mobile plate of this ski in the opposite direction
Implementation Method 2
a motor module, connected to the cables at an end opposite to the mobile plates, such that they can exert traction on the mobile plates
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electric assistive skiing device that is used both on climbs and for moving on flat ground. The device comprises two fixed plates (1) fastened to skis (20); two mobile plates (3) fastened to ski boots (21), where the mobile plates slide with respect to the mobile plates (3); traction cables (14) that are connected to the mobile plates (3) and pull said plates, moving them with respect to the fixed plates (1); springs (13) between the mobile plates (3) and the fixed plates (1), which drive the forward movement of the fixed plates (1) with respect to the mobile plates (3) in a forward direction; a motor module (16) connected to the cables (14); and a controller (17) that rotates the motor module (16), pulling the cable (14) of the mobile plate (3) of the ski (20) that moves forward.