Ski Connection Unit Vibration Decoupling via Elastic Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ski connection units transfer ground vibrations from one ski to another, making it difficult for beginners and intermediate skiers to perform carving turns effectively due to increased vibration and muscle loading.

Innovation Solution

A connection unit that mechanically connects skis in the transverse direction with a compensation device, including spring and damper elements, to decouple vibrations and allow for edging and step movements, reducing vibration transfer and enhancing mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the connection between the two skids is strengthened to improve parallel fixation and edging synchronization, then the edging performance and parallel ski position are improved, but the vibration transfer from one ski to the other increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparallel ski positionVSAvoidvibration transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection unit is divided into multiple independent components: a first connection element connecting to the first ski, a second connection element connecting to the second ski, and elastic elements positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while reducing overall vibration transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Elastic elements are introduced as intermediary components between the first and second connection elements. These elastic elements act as vibration isolators, absorbing and dampening vibrations while still maintaining the mechanical connection necessary for parallel ski positioning and edging synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If rigid connection elements are used to ensure strong ski coupling, then the edging synchronization is improved, but the transmission of ground vibrations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedging force transmissionVSAvoidvibration generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection elements are designed with adjustable parameters including different stiffness values, lengths, and mounting positions. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves sufficient force transmission for edging while minimizing vibration transmission through careful selection of elastic element properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connection unit combines rigid connection elements (for structural integrity and force transmission) with elastic elements (for vibration damping). This composite approach creates a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both rigid and flexible materials to achieve both strong coupling and vibration reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Speed

If the connection unit provides strong mechanical coupling for carving turns, then the turn precision and speed are improved, but the muscle loading and vibration exposure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturning speedVSAvoidmuscle loading

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Elastic elements are pre-installed in the connection unit to provide cushioning before vibrations and shocks occur during carving turns. This beforehand cushioning absorbs impact forces and reduces the transmission of vibrations to the skier, thereby reducing muscle loading while maintaining turn precision and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution effectively reduces vibration transfer between skis, allowing for smoother turns and increased mobility, making carving techniques more accessible to a wider range of skiers by minimizing undesirable vibrations and muscle loading.

Implementation Method 1

spring element (13) arranged between the bearing block (7) and the base plate (14)... which cause a reset force towards a normal position of both skis relative to one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

damper element (13) arranged between the bearing block (7) and the base plate (14)... to decouple vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

use elastic elements like rubber blocks between the transversal struts which cause a reset force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9731187B2Connection unit

Publication Date: 2017.08.15 HURTH PETER

AI summary

A restricted, preferably spring elastic and dampened movability of transversal struts (5a, b) in the longitudinal direction (10) with respect to a skid (2a) supporting the transversal struts prevents a transmission and build-up of vibrations through the connection units (3) at the piece of winter sports equipment (1).