Integrated Articulating Link for Snowshoe Terrain Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowshoes have a high number of components of varying robustness, leading to reduced reliability, increased weight, and strain on the user's foot due to mono-axial links, which can result in critical defects and hinder movement on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A snowshoe with an integrated multi-axial link system, where the surface support structure, articulating link, and footplate are connected in a mono-structure, utilizing flexible radial bands with corrugated portions to allow for torsion resistance and movement in multiple directions, reducing the number of components and joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single axial rotational link is used to connect the footplate and support area structure, then the snowshoe structure is simple and robust, but the lateral torque increases strain on the user's foot and ankle joint
Solution Approach 1:
The single axial link is segmented into multiple radial bands (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) that can rotate independently about the axial rotation axis. This segmentation allows each band to accommodate lateral movements separately, reducing the torque transmitted to the user's foot while maintaining the simplicity of the overall link structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to provide multi-axial movement capability, then the adaptability to terrain irregularities increases, but the number of components increases weight and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated link structure. The radial bands (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) are combined with the axial rotation axis to form one unified component that provides both lateral and longitudinal movement capabilities. This merging maintains terrain adaptability while reducing the total number of components and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial bands serve multiple functions simultaneously: they allow lateral rotation for terrain adaptation, provide structural support, and enable longitudinal movement through their flexible construction with corrugated portions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each movement type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components with various joining methods are used, then the structural flexibility increases, but the weight increases due to unnecessary material for joining parts
Solution Approach 1:
The radial bands and axial axis are merged into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for joining parts such as nails, screws, nuts, or sleeves. This integration maintains structural flexibility through the inherent design of the radial bands while significantly reducing the weight by removing unnecessary joining material.
4Device complexity
If a mono-axial link is used, then the link structure is simple and robust, but the control of snowshoe placement relative to the foot is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The link structure is segmented into multiple radial bands that can rotate independently, providing enhanced control over snowshoe placement. Each band can adjust to terrain irregularities independently, allowing the snowshoe to maintain proper positioning relative to the foot while navigating uneven surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial bands are designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing them to rotate and flex in response to terrain conditions. This dynamic behavior enables the link to actively control snowshoe placement rather than passively following foot movement, improving ease of operation.
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 integrated link system enhances ergonomics, adapts to terrain irregularities, reduces weight, and minimizes the risk of critical defects, resulting in a more natural walking experience and improved precision, while allowing for efficient movement on varied surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the bands comprise corrugated portions (10), so as for allowing the surface support structure (1) to move under increasing torsion resistance at least in the length- and lateral direction of the foot
Implementation Method 2
the articulating link (2) comprising two or more resilient, preferably flexible and resilient radial bands (2a, b, c, d) between the footplate (3) and the surface support structure (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A snowshoe with an integrated articulating link wherein said surface support structure (1) and said foot connector plate (3) are connected by a multi-axial articulating link (2). Surface support structure (1), said foot connector plate (3) and said articulating link (2) constitute a structural unit, a mono-construction. The multi-axial tilt motion in said articulating link is achieved by extension and compression in the material structure The extension and compression in the material structure is controlled by one or more corrugations in the arms.