Suspension Ski Linkage for Shock Absorption on Snowless Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional skis are limited to snowy conditions, and existing alternatives like wheeled vehicles fail to replicate a true skiing experience, especially in terms of handling extreme forces, shock absorption, and safety on snowless terrain.
Innovation Solution
A snowless suspension ski design featuring a frame with compression and axillary triangles, shock absorbers, and disc brakes, allowing for smooth operation and obstacle clearance, with customizable components for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional skis are used, then skiing experience is authentic, but skiing is limited to snowy conditions only
Solution Approach 1:
The ski system employs dynamic suspension elements including compression triangles and axillary triangles that can rotate and adjust their configuration based on terrain conditions. The shock absorbers dynamically adjust to absorb impacts from rough terrain, allowing the rigid ski frame to adapt its behavior to match snow-based skiing characteristics on snowless surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the ski by introducing suspension mechanisms that alter the contact characteristics between the ski and ground. The compression triangles and shock absorbers modify the force transmission parameters to replicate the cushioning effect of snow, enabling authentic skiing experience on hard surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wheeled vehicles are used as alternatives, then skiing is possible on snowless terrain, but the skiing experience is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ski system segments the wheel assembly from the main frame through the compression triangle and axillary triangle linkages. This segmentation allows the wheel to rotate independently while the suspension triangles absorb shocks and maintain frame stability, replicating the skiing experience by separating the rolling function from the force-absorption function.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression triangles and axillary triangles act as intermediary elements between the wheel and the frame. These intermediaries transmit and filter forces from the ground through the shock absorbers, mediating the interaction between the rigid frame and uneven terrain to provide a smooth skiing-like experience.
3Ease of operation
If suspension components are added to absorb shocks, then riding smoothness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the suspension function with the structural framework by integrating shock absorbers into the compression triangles and axillary triangles. This combining of structural and suspension elements achieves shock absorption and riding smoothness while minimizing additional complexity compared to separate suspension systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression triangles and axillary triangles serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable wheel rotation, absorb shocks through integrated shock absorbers, and maintain frame clearance. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
4Reliability
If frame clearance is increased to avoid obstacles, then safety is improved, but shock absorption capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the clearance-shock absorption contradiction by operating in another dimension through the rotational degrees of freedom of the compression triangles. The triangles can rotate to maintain optimal frame clearance while simultaneously allowing the shock absorbers to compress and absorb impacts, decoupling these two previously conflicting requirements.
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
Enables a true skiing experience on snowless terrain by withstanding extreme forces, absorbing shocks, and ensuring safety through obstacle avoidance and customizable features.
Implementation Method 1
a shock having a first end that is secured to the strut mount and a second end that is secured to the compression triangle, such that when the compression triangle is rotated in an upward direction, the shock moves toward a compressed configuration. When the compression triangle is rotated in a downward direction, the shock moves toward an extended configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A snowless suspension ski configured for downhill use on rough terrain, the ski having a pair of wheels connected to compression triangles that are rotatably secured to a frame, and having shock absorbers configured to compress when weight is applied to the ski, thereby allowing the ski to move between an extended configuration and a compressed configuration to absorb the shock experienced during a ride.