Ski Jump Simulator Platform with Dynamic Pressure Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ski jumping simulators fail to accurately replicate the movement sequences and force dynamics of real ski jumps, particularly during the approach, take-off, and initial flight phases, limiting training effectiveness and safety.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a vertically movable platform with a pressing device and stabilization unit, utilizing traction means and a release mechanism to simulate the acceleration and inertial forces experienced during ski jumping, allowing for realistic simulation of the movement sequence and force balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a pressing device is used to simulate contact pressure during approach and radius compression, then the force simulation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for release mechanism and stabilization device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact pressure simulationVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into functionally independent modules: a pressing device for simulating contact pressure during approach and radius compression, a release mechanism for simulating take-off, and a stabilization device for maintaining flight phase position. Each module can be controlled independently to reproduce specific phases of the ski jump sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing device is designed with dynamic control capabilities, allowing the contact pressure to be adjusted and released in real-time during the simulation. The release mechanism enables transition from a pressed state during approach to a released state during take-off and flight phase, reproducing the dynamic force conditions of actual ski jumping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the platform is accelerated in vertical direction to simulate approach phase, then the movement sequence simulation is improved, but the ability to simulate take-off and flight phase is limited without release mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform accelerationVSAvoidphase simulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing device is activated before the take-off phase to build up contact pressure and simulate the approach and radius compression conditions. This preliminary action prepares the system for the subsequent release mechanism activation, which then enables the transition to take-off and flight phase simulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The simulation proceeds through distinct periodic phases: the pressing device operates during the approach phase, then the release mechanism activates for take-off, followed by the stabilization device for the flight phase. This periodic activation sequence enables comprehensive simulation of all critical ski jump phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If virtual representation is used for ski jump simulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the accuracy of force balance simulation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidforce balance accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using virtual representation, the device creates a physical copy of the force conditions experienced during actual ski jumping. The pressing device physically reproduces contact pressure, the release mechanism physically simulates take-off forces, and the stabilization device physically maintains flight phase positioning, providing accurate tactile and force feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces virtual/digital simulation with a mechanical system that physically reproduces the force balance conditions. Mechanical actuators and tensioning devices directly apply forces to the user, substituting computational models with tangible mechanical force application for more realistic training.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 realistic simulation of ski jumping movements and forces, allowing for effective training of ski jumpers without the need for actual jumps, improving technique and safety by replicating the dynamic forces of the sport.

Implementation Method 1

the platform is accelerated in the vertical direction by means of the drive unit, with the pressing force exerted by the pressing device being at least reduced during the movement of the platform in the vertical direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Implementation Method 2

the pressing device comprises at least one first traction means for exerting the pressing force acting in the direction of the platform on a person located on the platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

when the release mechanism is actuated, a tensioning force of the first traction device is reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 4

a stabilization device, which is designed to exert a stabilization force that counteracts the pressing force on the person on the platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3751542B1Device for simulating the movement path of a ski jumper
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 GREIMEL FLORIAN
  • EP3751542B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

To enable a realistic simulation of a ski jumper's movement sequence, particularly during the approach, take-off, and at least the beginning of the flight phase, which takes into account the forces acting on a person, a device (1) for simulating a ski jumper's movement sequence is proposed according to the invention. The device (1) comprises: - a platform (2) for receiving a person (12) that is movable in a vertical direction (13) by means of a drive unit (3); - a pressure device (4) configured to exert a pressure force on a person located on the platform (2); - a stabilization device (5) configured to exert a stabilizing force on the person (12) that counteracts the pressure force.wherein the drive unit (3) and the pressure device (4) interact such that, during a simulation process, the platform (2) is accelerated in the direction of the vertical direction (13) by means of the drive unit (3), wherein the pressure force exerted by the pressure device (4) is at least reduced during the movement of the platform (2) in the direction of the vertical direction (13) via a release mechanism (6), and such that, after the reduction of the pressure force, the person (12) is held in a stable position by the stabilizing device (5).