Telescopic Snow Shaping Device with Nested Shaft Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snow shaping tools are labor-intensive and unwieldy, making it difficult for snow sport enthusiasts to create terrain parks in backcountry areas, where they often prefer to venture due to crowd and cost issues in ski areas.
Innovation Solution
A handheld snow shaping device with a telescopically expandable shaft system, comprising a scooping panel with teeth and a handle, allowing for efficient scooping and shaping of snow, and the ability to collapse for easy transport, by using a plurality of hollow rigid shaft segments that nest within each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current snow shaping tools are used, then snow shaping function is provided, but the device is unwieldy and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple telescopic segments that can be separated and nested within each other. The shaft assembly includes a first shaft segment, a second shaft segment, and a third shaft segment, each with coupling mechanisms that allow them to connect and disconnect. This segmentation enables the shaft to be broken down into manageable pieces for easy transport while maintaining full length and structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic shaft segments are designed to nest within each other when not in use. The first shaft segment contains the second shaft segment, which in turn contains the third shaft segment, creating a compact nested configuration. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces the storage and transport volume of the snow shaping tool while allowing full extension when needed for operation.
2Productivity
If traditional snow shovels are used, then snow scooping is possible, but the process is very labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The snow shaping tool incorporates a dynamic telescopic shaft system that can be quickly extended and collapsed. The shaft segments feature coupling mechanisms with alignment features and locking elements that enable rapid assembly and disassembly without requiring complex tools or procedures. This dynamic capability reduces the time and effort needed to prepare and store the equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft coupling mechanisms are designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through integrated features such as alignment pins, cam locks, or bayonet connectors. This self-service design eliminates the need for additional tools or complex assembly procedures, allowing users to quickly set up and pack the tool with minimal effort and time investment.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld scooping and shaping device comprising a snow shaping section, a first hollow rigid shaft segment, a plurality of additional hollow rigid shaft segments, and a handle. The snow shaping section comprises a scooping panel, back panel, first sidewall, second sidewall, and bottom panel. The scooping panel comprises a distal end having a plurality of teeth extending outwardly. The back panel opposes the scooping panel. The first sidewall opposes the second sidewall. The bottom panel is coupled or integrated to the scooping panel, back panel, first sidewall and second sidewall. The first hollow rigid shaft segment is removably coupled to the snow shaping section. The plurality of additional hollow rigid shaft segments are configured to nest within at either the first hollow rigid shaft segment or an additional hollow rigid shaft segment. The handle is coupled or integrated to one of the additional hollow rigid shaft segments.