Alpine Ski Traction Means for Snow Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skis are either designed for specific use conditions, making them unsuitable for varying snow conditions, or are general-purpose, resulting in suboptimal performance. Existing adjustment devices are bulky, interfere with skiing, and affect the ski's appearance.
Innovation Solution
A ski with integrated adjustment means, including a structural assembly with upper and lower reinforcements and an intermediate structure, featuring traction means that can shift the tip contact point between 'track' and 'off-piste' positions without altering stiffness, allowing adaptation to different snow conditions while maintaining a sleek appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment means are added to modify ski characteristics, then adaptability to different snow conditions is improved, but device complexity and appearance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The traction means are integrated into the structural assembly of the ski, merging the adjustment function with the ski's existing structure. The traction means comprise a blade that connects to the structural assembly at two points, allowing geometry adjustment without adding separate, bulky adjustment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The traction means are nested within the structural assembly, with the blade positioned above the neutral fiber and integrated between the upper and lower reinforcements. This nesting allows the adjustment mechanism to be contained within the ski's existing structure rather than adding external components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment means are added to modify ski characteristics, then adaptability to different snow conditions is improved, but the ski's appearance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The traction means are merged with the structural assembly, using existing structural components (upper reinforcement, lower reinforcement, intermediate structure) to house the adjustment mechanism. This integration ensures the adjustment means do not protrude or create bulky external elements that would affect appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The traction means comprise a blade that is positioned above the neutral fiber and integrated into the structural assembly. This blade design allows for compact integration that does not create bulky external elements, maintaining the ski's streamlined appearance while providing adjustment functionality.
3Shape
If traction means are placed above the neutral fiber to adjust geometry, then tip contact point position is improved, but stiffness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The traction means are positioned locally above the neutral fiber in the front part of the ski, specifically affecting only the tip contact point geometry. This localized placement allows geometry adjustment without globally altering the ski's stiffness characteristics, as the traction means are confined to a specific region rather than affecting the entire ski structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural assembly is segmented into upper reinforcement, lower reinforcement, and intermediate structure, with the traction means integrated into this segmented structure. This segmentation allows the traction means to be positioned precisely above the neutral fiber to adjust tip contact point geometry while maintaining the overall structural integrity and stiffness of the ski.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The ski (1) has a structural assembly comprising an intercalated structure placed between a lower reinforcement and an upper reinforcement. A traction unit (6) is constituted by a metallic blade (24) and exerts traction between an anchorage (13) placed beyond a spatula contact point (3) and another anchorage (14) placed below the spatula contact point. The traction unit is placed below protection and decoration units for a large portion of a length of the traction unit. The traction unit is placed above a neutral fiber (15) of the ski for the large portion of the length of the traction unit.