Standing Ski Transport with Ball-Joint Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-motorized transport devices for individuals with reduced mobility or disabilities on snowy slopes are cumbersome when navigating steep slopes and small radius turns, and are limited to transporting people in a sitting position.

Innovation Solution

A non-motorized transport device with parallel skis, a longitudinal beam, and a connecting system featuring front and rear ball-joint connections that allow for vertical and longitudinal differential displacement, enabling easier turning and terrain adaptation, while allowing the user to stand and maintain control through an edging handle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a conventional connecting system with central articulation axes is used, then the device provides stability during turns, but the device becomes awkward to pilot on steep slopes requiring long crossings and small radius turns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability during turnsVSAvoidhandling on steep slopes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed central articulation axes with ball-joint connections that enable dynamic adaptation. The ball-joints allow the connecting rods to pivot freely in multiple directions, enabling the ski configuration to dynamically adjust to varying slope conditions and turn requirements, thus improving both stability and ease of operation on steep slopes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connecting system by introducing ball-joint connections with spherical articulation points. This allows the articulation axes to change orientation dynamically based on the slope angle and turning radius, enabling optimal performance across different operating conditions rather than being constrained to fixed geometric relationships

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device is designed for sitting position transport, then it accommodates persons with reduced mobility, but it cannot transport persons in standing position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition accommodationVSAvoidstructure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a ski configuration and connecting system that can accommodate multiple transport positions (sitting and standing). The ball-joint connections and adjustable ski orientation enable the same device structure to function effectively whether the person is seated or standing, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for different positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device provides improved handling and safety on snowy slopes, allowing individuals to ski in a standing position with enhanced control and reduced wear on the equipment, regardless of slope steepness or turn radius.

Implementation Method 1

first and second end portions which are respectively connected to the first and second front fastening feet by respective front ball-joint connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall-joint connection: Ball

Implementation Method 2

each of the first and second front connecting rods including a middle portion pivotally mounted on the longitudinal beam about a respective front articulation axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

the first and second front fastening feet and the first and second front connecting rods forming a parallelogram linkage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParallelogram linkage: Four-Bar Linkage

Implementation Method 4

an edging handle, also named edge setting handle, which is fastened to a front portion of the longitudinal beam and which is configured to be handled by the transported person and/or an accompanier of the transported person

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectManual force application: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 5

a first ski and a second ski which extend substantially parallel to each other and which are intended to bear on the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeight bearing: Gravitation

Implementation Method 6

intended to bear on the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11753061B2Non-motorized transport device with skis for transporting a person in standing position

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 SNOWSKUT

AI summary

A non-motorized transport device including first and second skis; first front and rear fastening feet fastened on the first ski and second front and rear fastening feet fastened on the second ski; a longitudinal beam; an edging handle fastened to the longitudinal beam; and a connecting system connecting the longitudinal beam to the first and second front and rear fastening feet, the connecting system including first and second front connecting rods each including a middle portion pivotally mounted on the longitudinal beam about a respective front articulation axis and first and second end portions which are respectively connected to the first and second front fastening feet by respective front ball joint connections, and a rear connecting rod including a middle portion pivotally mounted on the longitudinal beam about a rear articulation axis and first and second end portions respectively connected to the first and second rear fastening feet by respective rear ball joint connections.