Releasable Ski Pole Basket Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski pole designs face challenges in balancing weight, stability, and durability, particularly with the end piece, which affects moment of inertia and is often not replaceable without professional equipment, limiting versatility across different skiing conditions and uses.
Innovation Solution
A releasably attachable ski pole basket system featuring a lower end piece with a fastening hub and an upper end piece locking device, using complementary shapes and friction-based locking mechanisms to secure the end piece to the pole body, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without adhesives, enabling the use of the same pole body for various purposes and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the end piece is made lighter to reduce moment of inertia, then the motion dynamics of the pole is improved, but the robustness and strength of the end piece deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end piece is divided into two separate parts: a lightweight basket portion and a separate locking device. The basket can be made from lighter materials to reduce moment of inertia, while the locking device provides the necessary strength and robustness for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device incorporates a hollow interior with a cross-section complementary to the pole body, creating a composite structure that combines the lightweight basket with a strengthened locking mechanism. This composite design allows the end piece to achieve both reduced weight and enhanced strength through the integrated structure.
2Strength
If adhesive is used to attach the end piece to the pole, then the connection is secure, but the end piece becomes non-replaceable without professional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into modular components: the basket, the locking device, and the pole body with complementary cross-sections. This segmentation replaces permanent adhesive bonding with a mechanical locking system that can be easily assembled and disassembled by the user, enabling simple replacement of the end piece without professional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the basket and the pole body. It provides a mechanical interface with complementary cross-sections that enable secure attachment through friction and geometric interlocking, while also allowing for easy release and replacement. This intermediary structure mediates between the need for strong connection and easy replaceability.
3Reliability
If the end piece is designed to be robust, then the thrust bearing surface is reliable, but the moment of inertia increases, affecting pole stability
Solution Approach 1:
The end piece is segmented into a lightweight basket providing the thrust bearing surface and a separate locking device providing structural support. This allows the basket to be optimized for reliability of the thrust bearing surface while minimizing weight, and the locking device to provide necessary robustness without adding excessive weight to the rotating mass.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the end piece have different local qualities optimized for their specific functions. The basket portion is designed with local quality suitable for thrust bearing (reliability), while the locking device has local quality optimized for attachment strength. This local differentiation allows each component to be as light as possible while maintaining the required performance characteristics.
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 enhances the stability and versatility of ski poles by allowing for weight optimization, easy replacement of end pieces, and adaptability to different skiing conditions, while maintaining a secure and durable connection, thus improving user experience and extending the life of the pole body.
Implementation Method 1
using complementary shapes and friction-based locking mechanisms to secure the end piece to the pole body
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(f)
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a solution for releasably attaching and fastening an end piece to a pole (1) such as a ski pole suited for cross country skiing, downhill skiing roller skiing or walking. The end piece may be a basket (4) providing a thrust bearing surface (7) on snow or it may be an end piece with a sharp point for use in walking or roller skiing.