Ski Training Device Ball Joint Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski training devices are bulky, complex, and prone to interference due to large and intricate coupling elements, which makes them less compact and more susceptible to failures and difficulties in movement and storage.
Innovation Solution
A compact ski training device design featuring a coupling element connected to each pedal via a ball joint, a flywheel resistance mechanism driven by a toothed belt and sprocket system, and a freewheel clutch, allowing for a more compact construction and reduced bulkiness, with an electromagnetic generator for resistance and a shared insert element for ball hinge construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional coupling element is used to connect pedal elements, then the connection is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and complex with increased susceptibility to interference and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is divided into two separate ball joints, each connecting one pedal element to the common axis. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex single coupling element, reducing the number of moving parts that can interfere with each other and fail, while maintaining the parallel connection function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex coupling element to connect the pedal elements directly, the invention inverts the approach by connecting both pedal elements to a common axis through simple ball joints. This indirect connection method simplifies the overall structure and reduces complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If a traditional coupling element design is used, then the connection function is achieved, but the device size increases making it less compact and harder to store
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coupling function into two separate ball joints on a common axis, the overall envelope size of the coupling mechanism is reduced. Each ball joint is compact, and their arrangement along a common axis allows for a more space-efficient design compared to a single large coupling element.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joints are arranged in a specific spatial configuration around a common axis, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. This dimensional arrangement allows the coupling mechanism to be more compact while still providing the necessary connection functionality.
3Reliability
If moving parts are used in the coupling element, then the connection is achieved, but the device becomes more susceptible to failures due to parts being an impediment to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling function is segmented into two independent ball joints that rotate independently on a common axis. This segmentation eliminates the interference between moving parts that occurs in traditional coupling elements, as each ball joint operates independently without obstructing the other, thereby reducing failure susceptibility.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented with ball joints and toothed belt, then the device becomes more compact, but the transmission mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toothed belt is merged with the coupling element, forming an integrated structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and fasteners, reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the assembly while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element serves multiple functions: it connects the pedal elements to the common axis via ball joints, provides the mounting structure for the toothed belt, and acts as part of the transmission mechanism itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall design.
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 design results in a more compact, less prone to interference, and easier to move and store ski training device that maintains resistance efficiency with a smaller flywheel and reduced need for clamps, enhancing user experience and storage convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the transmission mechanism comprises a toothed belt connected to the coupling element, two toothed belt wheels and two sprockets, by which the toothed belt, coming from one of the pedal elements, is transferred to one of the toothed belt wheels, from which it is then transferred to one of the sprockets and then transferred to the other sprocket, and thereafter transferred to the other toothed belt wheel
Implementation Method 2
the coupling element is formed by an elongated element, which, near each of the ends, is connected to one of the pedal elements via a ball joint/hinge
Implementation Method 3
each of the toothed belt wheels is connected by means of a freewheel clutch to the flywheel
Implementation Method 4
the resistance mechanism comprises an electromagnetic generator, which is connected to the flywheel
Data Source
AI summary
A training apparatus/device has a frame and two elongated pedal elements, which are pivotally connected to the frame. The pedal elements are each provided with a footrest and a pedal axle and are, by a coupling element connected to each other, so that the pedal elements, in use of the training apparatus, are held parallel to each other. Further, the training apparatus has a transmission mechanism, which is connected via the coupling element with the pedal elements, as well as resistance mechanism, which is connected to the transmission mechanism and is driven by lateral displacement of the pedal elements.The coupling element is formed by an elongated element, whereby near each of the ends of the pedal elements is connected to the pedal element axles via a ball joint. As a result, this makes the training device less susceptible to interference and compact.