Ski Pole Handle with Articulated Pivot for Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski poles and walking sticks lack sufficient shock absorption and rotational flexibility, causing discomfort and requiring users to adjust their wrist and forearm position during movement, which can lead to instability.
Innovation Solution
A ski pole design featuring a handle with internal articulation allowing the tube to pivot perpendicular to the handle, providing both translational and rotational freedom, while a compressible element absorbs shocks, maintaining the handle's inclination relative to the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the handle is mounted on the tube with a slide connection allowing translation movement, then shock absorption is improved, but rotational flexibility is insufficient causing the user to adjust wrist position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static rigid connection between handle and tube into a dynamic system with multiple degrees of freedom. The slide connection allows translational movement for shock absorption, while the added rotational degree of freedom enables the handle to pivot relative to the tube. This dynamic configuration allows the connection to adapt to different movement conditions, simultaneously providing both vertical shock absorption and rotational flexibility to prevent wrist adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the movement parameters of the handle-tube connection from single-axis translation to multi-axis movement including rotation. By introducing rotational capability as an additional parameter, the system can accommodate both vertical impacts and angular adjustments, resolving the contradiction between shock absorption and rotational flexibility.
2Strength
If the tube is made rigid for structural strength, then durability is improved, but the rigidity causes the pole to pivot relative to ground contact forcing wrist adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rigid tube structure into two independent functional parts: the tube maintains its structural strength while the handle is separated with rotational freedom. This segmentation allows the tube to remain strong and durable while the handle can pivot independently, eliminating the need for wrist adjustment and improving ergonomic stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic rotational capability at the handle-tube interface while maintaining the static strength of the tube itself. This creates a system where the tube provides structural integrity but the connection allows adaptive movement, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the handle is fixed rigidly to the tube, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but shock transmission to the hand increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple rigid fixed connection with a dynamic slide connection that incorporates a spring element. While this increases manufacturing complexity slightly, it provides significant shock absorption by allowing the handle to move vertically relative to the tube, reducing harmful vibrations transmitted to the user's hand.
4Ease of operation
If the handle allows rotational movement perpendicular to the tube, then ergonomic stability is improved by maintaining constant inclination, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic articulation mechanism that combines slide connection with rotational capability. This allows the handle to maintain constant inclination relative to the ground while the tube pivots, providing ergonomic stability through natural movement rather than complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism is designed to automatically adapt to the user's movement and maintain optimal handle inclination without requiring active control or complex adjustment mechanisms. The system self-regulates through the physical properties of the slide connection and spring element, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ergonomic benefits.
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 design enhances ergonomics by allowing users to maintain a stable wrist and forearm position, absorbs shock effectively, and provides comfort during movement by allowing the tube to pivot relative to the handle, reducing the need for joint adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The deformation of this element, which can be a helical spring, a deformable member or a piston, makes it possible to absorb part of the shocks generated by the impact of the stick
Implementation Method 2
absorb part of the shocks generated by the impact of the stick and improves the comfort of the user
Implementation Method 3
the space located between the tube and the corresponding housing hollowed out in the handle is filled with a viscoelastic material, which makes it possible to absorb vibrations not only in a direction parallel to the main axis of the tube, but also in perpendicular directions
Data Source
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AI summary
Pole (1) for practicing a sliding sport or walking, comprising a tube (2) at the upper end of which is attached a gripping handle (3), said handle (3) having a capacity for translational movement relative to said tube (2) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube (2), characterized in that the handle (3) has an internal cavity (32), inside which the tube (2) is able to pivot about at least one axis substantially perpendicular to said tube, thanks to articulation means (50, 110) located in the upper part of the handle (3).