Ski Pole Basket with Rotating Joint for Slope Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pole baskets fail to adapt effectively to different slopes and snow conditions, leading to reduced power transmission and uncontrolled contact with the ground, as they either become stiff and brittle in cold temperatures or lack flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A pole basket designed with a rigid disk that can freely rotate and tilt around two axes, utilizing a joint with sliding or rolling elements to provide flexibility without material deformation, allowing adaptation to slopes and improved power transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible material (thermoplastic) is used for the pole basket, then the pole basket can adapt to ground incline, but it becomes stiff and brittle at low temperatures and loses flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to ground inclineVSAvoidflexibility at low temperatures
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pole basket is divided into multiple independent elements (first element, second element, third element) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the basket to adapt to ground inclines through relative movement of segments while each segment maintains its structural integrity and flexibility in cold temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pole basket transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where elements can move relative to each other. The basket includes movable connections that allow adaptation to slopes while maintaining controlled contact with the ground, enabling the structure to dynamically adjust to terrain variations without becoming brittle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If soft flexible material is used for the pole basket, then the pole basket can adapt to slopes, but power transmission is reduced and contact with ground becomes uncontrolled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to slopesVSAvoidpower transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The basket is segmented into multiple elements with different characteristics. The first element provides stable ground contact for power transmission, while the second and third elements provide flexibility for slope adaptation. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of controlled force transmission and slope adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different elements of the basket have different local properties optimized for specific functions. The first element has properties optimized for stable contact and power transmission, while other elements have properties optimized for flexibility and slope adaptation. Each local region has the quality needed for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Force

If rigid material is used for the pole basket, then power transmission is improved, but the pole basket cannot adapt to ground incline

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidadaptation to ground incline
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid power transmission structure is segmented into multiple elements that can move relative to each other. This allows the overall structure to maintain rigidity for effective power transmission while individual segments can adjust to adapt to ground inclines through relative movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pole basket incorporates dynamic elements that allow a predominantly rigid structure to adapt to slopes. The rigid elements maintain structural integrity for power transmission, while movable connections between elements enable adaptation to ground inclines through controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable plates of different sizes are attached to the ski pole, then adaptability to different snow conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to different snow conditionsVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pole basket elements are designed to be universally applicable and interchangeable. The first element can function as a standalone basket or combine with second and third elements for different conditions. This multi-functionality provides adaptability to various snow conditions without requiring complex specialized attachment mechanisms for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables the pole basket to effectively adapt to various inclines, ensuring continuous snow removal and optimal power transmission while maintaining robustness, even in cold conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The joint has two opposing, axially offset joint sleeves on the pole holder and two opposing, circular joint disks arranged on the inner plate, with at least one of the two joint sleeves having a circumferential annular groove open in the direction of the opposite joint sleeve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2083929B1Ski-stick snow ring with rotation gels
Publication Date: 2016.06.29 LEKISPORT AG
  • EP2083929B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2083929B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2083929B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

A stick snow ring (1) for a stick is described, with a stick holder (5) for receiving a stick tube. According to the invention, the stick snow ring (1) is characterized in that the snow ring region (2, 3) is designed as an essentially rigid disc and is fastened by means of a joint (4) in a manner such that it can rotate freely about a stick axis (A) and such that it can tilt about a tilt axis (B) over an angular range of 150°. The size of the snow ring can preferably be adapted individually to various use conditions.