Cross-Country Ski Running Surface with Convex Ramp Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cross-country ski running surfaces either compromise gliding ability for improved push-off or vice versa, as they either restrict backward sliding with angled or concavely curved profiles or impair kick-off edges with convexly curved profiles.
Innovation Solution
A running surface with two types of convexly curved ramp elements, where the second ramp element has a larger radius of curvature than the first, allowing for enhanced gliding while improving push-off by compressing snow, with the anti-slip elements covering both in the transverse direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the running surface has scale elements positioned at an angle to the sliding direction or concavely curved profiles, then backward sliding is prevented and push-off effect is improved, but the gliding ability of the cross-country skis is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The running surface is segmented into different functional zones: a first running surface section with scale elements at an angle for push-off, and a second running surface section with a convex profile for gliding. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local profiles are applied to different sections of the running surface. The first section has a concave profile with angled scale elements optimized for push-off, while the second section has a convex profile optimized for gliding. Each local area has quality tailored to its specific function.
2Ease of operation
If the running surface has convexly curved profiles, then friction for forward slide is reduced, but the effect of the kick-off edges is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The running surface is divided into distinct sections: a first section with convex profile for reduced friction during forward sliding, and a second section with angled scale elements for effective kick-off. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both characteristics in appropriate locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex profile is applied locally to the first running surface section to reduce friction, while the angled scale elements are applied locally to the second section to maintain kick-off effectiveness. Each local area has the quality needed for its specific function.
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 achieves a balance between excellent gliding and push-off capabilities, maintaining good sliding performance while enhancing repulsion capacity without impairing forward gliding.
Implementation Method 1
With the curved surface contact area, lower friction for a forward slide is said to be achieved
Implementation Method 2
with which a compression of the snow in the troughs is to be achieved
Data Source
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AI summary
A running surface (3) for a ski, in particular for a cross-country ski (1), having a running-surface profile (4) which is provided, in particular, in a central longitudinal portion of the running surface (3) and has slideback-prevention elements (5) with sliding surfaces (10; 10 a, 10 b) which slope up counter to a sliding direction (6) and merge into push-off flanks (8), wherein the slideback-prevention elements (5) have at least one first ramp element (9a) having a longitudinally convexly curved sliding surface (10 a) with a first radius of curvature (r 1) and at least one second ramp element (9b), wherein the second ramp element (9b) has a longitudinally convexly curved sliding surface (10 b) with a second radius of curvature (r 2) which is greater than that of the first ramp element (9a).