Snowboard Edge Assembly with Interlocking Beams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gliding board manufacturing techniques face challenges in adapting mechanical properties of side edges, easy manufacturing with different materials, and precise anchoring and positioning of edges during molding, particularly due to moisture infiltration and complex junctions between edge elements.

Innovation Solution

The gliding board edges are composed of a set of construction elements with longitudinal beams that interlock via complementary mechanical locking means, ensuring mechanical continuity and sealing, with non-perpendicular end surfaces for force absorption and various blocking mechanisms to prevent displacement, allowing for easier handling and manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate edge elements are used to form the board edge, then the mechanical properties of the side edges can be adapted in a varied manner and different materials can be used, but the junctions between elements are subject to moisture infiltration and the gap between elements varies with operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation of mechanical propertiesVSAvoidsealing against moisture infiltration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The edge is divided into multiple separate elements (first edge element, second edge element) that can be manufactured independently from different materials with different mechanical properties, allowing adaptation of mechanical properties while maintaining the ability to form a complete edge structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

One edge element is inserted within or alongside another edge element (first edge element inserted in the first recess, second edge element alongside it), creating a nested arrangement that allows different materials and mechanical properties while ensuring tight fitting to prevent moisture infiltration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 3:

The core structure acts as an intermediary that receives and integrates multiple edge elements, providing a stable base that accommodates elements with different mechanical properties while maintaining overall structural integrity and sealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate edge elements are assembled to form the edge, then easier handling and manufacturing with different materials is achieved, but the positioning and immobilizing of individual edge elements with respect to the mold and the rest of the structure becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling and manufacturingVSAvoidpositioning and immobilizing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The edge elements are designed with pre-integrated positioning features (protrusions, recesses, guiding surfaces) that automatically align and position the elements correctly during assembly, eliminating the need for complex external positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning features are designed with asymmetric geometries (specific shapes of protrusions and recesses) that ensure correct orientation and positioning of edge elements, preventing incorrect assembly and simplifying the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Device complexity

If the end surfaces of edge elements are perpendicular to the main direction, then the structure is simpler, but the junctions create zones of low resistance and increase the risk of edge breaking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidresistance at junctions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The end surfaces of the edge elements are designed with inclined faces and bevels rather than perpendicular surfaces, creating angled junction surfaces that distribute forces more evenly and eliminate stress concentration zones, thereby increasing resistance at junctions without significantly complicating the structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3315180B1Assembly of at least two structural elements of a snowboard edge, and snowboard including an edge made with such an assembly
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 SKIS ROSSIGNOL SA VOIRON FR
  • EP3315180B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3315180B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3315180B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

Assembly of at least two construction elements (10,110) of a board edge, in which each element (10) comprises a longitudinal beam (11), the ends (12,13) ​​of two adjacent elements coming into contact with each other through the entirety of their terminal surface (14,15) when the elements are arranged one in the extension of the other, characterized in that two adjacent elements (10,110) comprise complementary mechanical locking means (30) to prevent the relative movement of said elements.