Ski Edge Sharpening Disc with Multi-Angle Support Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge sharpening apparatus for skis and snowboards struggle to maintain the inherent base edge and side edge bevel angles, which are crucial for optimal performance, due to advancements in ski and snowboard designs featuring pronounced side cuts and cambers.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a tool support ring system with multiple disc support surfaces that allow the sharpening disc to be oriented at various angles, enabling precise sharpening and beveling of both base and side edges, with features like position indexing tabs and recesses to prevent burrs and debris interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional 90° edge geometry sharpening apparatus is used, then simple guide structure is maintained, but inability to maintain inherent base edge and side edge bevel angles results in poor sharpening precision
Solution Approach 1:
The guide is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion with multiple disc support surfaces (first, second, third surfaces) for different edge angles, and a separate clamping mechanism. Each support surface is angled differently to maintain specific bevel angles, allowing the technician to select the appropriate surface for the required edge geometry without complicating the overall guide structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide body is designed with multiple disc support surfaces that can accommodate different sharpening disc orientations and angles. This multi-functional design allows a single guide structure to handle various edge bevel requirements (base edge and side edge at different angles) that would traditionally require multiple specialized tools, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple disc support surfaces are added to maintain different bevel angles, then edge sharpening precision is improved, but guide structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disc support surfaces are deliberately designed with asymmetric orientations relative to the guide body. The first support surface is angled for base edge sharpening while the second and third surfaces are angled for side edge sharpening at different bevels. This asymmetric configuration allows each surface to precisely maintain its designated bevel angle, achieving consistent edge geometry without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If handheld guide is used for edge sharpening, then portability is maintained, but technician fatigue increases due to manual effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The guide incorporates a clamping mechanism that automatically secures the sharpening disc to the selected support surface when pressure is applied. This self-clamping feature eliminates the need for separate fastening operations, allowing the technician to simply position the disc and apply pressure, thereby reducing manual effort and energy expenditure while maintaining the handheld portability of the device.
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 solution allows for accurate and consistent edge sharpening and beveling, minimizing fatigue and effort, while maintaining the necessary bevel angles for improved ski and snowboard performance.
Implementation Method 1
a sharpening disc detachably mounted to, and rotatable within, the first tool support ring; the sharpening disc having at least one abrasive surface
Data Source
AI summary
A disc system including disc adapted to be held by the hand and moved lengthwise along an edge portion of a ski or snowboard in order to sharpen and/or bevel either a ski or a snowboard side edge or base edge is provided. The disc is held and may be rotated within at least one concentric ring to establish a number of selected angular orientations in a plane transverse to the lengthwise direction when positioned at the side or base edge portion of the ski or snowboard while in contact with the surface thereof.