Splitboard Crossbar Clip Latching Device Shear Force Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Splitboards experience looseness and unpredictability due to shear forces between ski halves, leading to control issues and potential falls, as existing latching devices fail to adequately resist these forces.
Innovation Solution
A crossbar clip latching device with a bracket assembly and crossbar assembly that applies a compressive force through a lever, providing enhanced holding strength and adjustability, and is designed to prevent up and down motion between splitboard skis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional latching devices (buckles, hook clips) are used to join splitboard skis, then the skis can be connected for riding mode, but shear forces cause up and down motion between ski halves leading to looseness and reduced torsional stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The latching device is divided into separate bracket and crossbar components that can be independently positioned and adjusted along the seam, allowing each component to handle specific portions of the holding function while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism transitions from a single-point connection to a distributed multi-point connection system with brackets and crossbars positioned at different locations along the seam, adding spatial dimensionality to the holding structure and distributing shear forces across multiple engagement points
2Reliability
If multiple latching devices are placed along the seam to increase torsional stiffness, then ride performance improves, but device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each latching device is designed as a universal assembly with brackets and crossbars that can be positioned at multiple locations along the seam, allowing a single standardized component design to serve multiple functions at different positions rather than requiring unique components for each location
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket and crossbar elements are combined into an integrated latching assembly where the bracket on one ski engages with the crossbar on the other ski, merging the holding and locking functions into a single coordinated mechanism that reduces the number of separate parts needed
3Force
If latching devices are positioned to maximize holding power, then shear force resistance improves, but the device may interfere with obstacles during touring mode
Solution Approach 1:
The latching device incorporates movable brackets and crossbars that can be dynamically positioned or retracted along the seam, allowing the system to adapt its configuration between riding mode (where maximum holding power is needed) and touring mode (where minimal obstacle interference is required)
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism uses localized bracket and crossbar elements positioned at specific critical points along the seam rather than a continuous structure, providing sufficient holding power at key locations while leaving other areas open to reduce interference with obstacles during touring
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 crossbar clip latching device significantly improves torsional stiffness, enhances ride performance and safety, and allows for easier field serviceability by providing superior holding power with fewer parts, while maintaining a compact design that minimizes interference with obstacles during touring mode.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the lever applies a force between the lever and the inside edge of the bracket. This compressive force creates a holding force between the first splitboard ski to the second splitboard ski
Implementation Method 2
The lever can include a lever edge that can directly engage the inside edge of the bracket. The lever can include a projected portion or an eccentric portion that engages either directly or indirectly the inside edge of the bracket
Implementation Method 3
The eccentric portion is offset (i.e. eccentric or not centered) to the rotational axis of the lever. Rotation of the lever applies a force between the eccentric portion and the inside edge of the bracket
Implementation Method 4
These latching devices have taken various forms such as buckles or hook clips. The bracket assembly and crossbar assembly can be aligned so rotation of the lever applies a force between the lever and the inside edge of the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A latching device that joins splitboard skis along lengthwise edges. The latching device can include a bracket assembly and a crossbar assembly. The bracket assembly can be secured to a first splitboard ski. The crossbar assembly can be secured to a second splitboard ski. The crossbar assembly can include a crossbar and a lever rotationally coupled to the crossbar. The bracket assembly can include a bracket. Rotating the lever can apply a compressive force between the lever and the inside edge of the bracket applying a holding force between the first splitboard ski and the second splitboard ski. With the splitboard skis disengaged, the bracket assembly and crossbar assembly can be stowed completely within their respective splitboard ski perimeter boundaries.