Thin Friction Damping Blade for Ski Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current skiing technologies face challenges in effectively damping vibrations, leading to poor handling and grip due to excessive thickness and external installation of damping devices, which alter the mechanical characteristics and design of skis.
Innovation Solution
A friction damping system integrated into the ski structure during manufacturing, featuring a blade with a thickness of less than 2 mm, placed between reinforcements, and designed to slide within a sheath, positioned as far as possible from the neutral fiber to minimize weight and mechanical impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If damping means with great thickness (greater than one third of total ski thickness) are used, then vibration damping effect is improved, but the mechanical characteristics (bending and torsion) of the ski are significantly modified and the damping means are located close to the neutral fiber reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thickness parameter of the damping blade from traditional thick designs (greater than one third of ski thickness) to a thin design (less than 2 mm). This parameter change allows the damping means to be positioned far from the neutral fiber while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness, thereby preserving the ski's mechanical characteristics for bending and torsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a thick-dimensional damping approach to a thin-dimensional approach with extended longitudinal placement. By reducing thickness and extending length, the damping blade achieves effective vibration damping through a different dimensional configuration that maintains structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If damping device is installed externally after manufacturing, then installation is possible, but it interferes with the decoration and design of the ski
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the damping blade with the ski's internal structure by integrating it between the upper and lower reinforcements during the manufacturing process. This combining approach eliminates the need for external installation while preserving the ski's aesthetic design and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping blade is installed preliminary during the ski manufacturing process rather than as an after-market addition. This preliminary integration ensures the damping means are embedded within the ski structure before final assembly, avoiding any interference with the ski's external decoration and design.
3Weight of moving object
If damping means of thin blade (less than 2 mm thickness) are used, then weight is minimized and mechanical characteristics are maintained, but the blade must be positioned very close to reinforcements requiring precise placement
Solution Approach 1:
The thin damping blade is positioned and secured during the preliminary stages of ski manufacturing while the structure is being assembled. This preliminary placement allows for precise positioning between the reinforcements before the glue sets, ensuring accurate location without requiring post-manufacturing adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process itself provides the positioning mechanism for the thin damping blade. The blade is placed within the structural assembly where the reinforcement layers and adhesive system naturally hold it in the correct position, eliminating the need for separate precision positioning steps.
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 solution provides effective vibration damping with minimal weight addition, maintaining the ski's mechanical characteristics and design integrity, while being fully integrated and invisible from the exterior.
Implementation Method 1
damping means by friction; said damping means comprise a blade with a thickness of less than 2 mm and means allowing the sliding of at least one of the ends of said blade
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Slide board (1) of length L comprising a main core (13) placed between a lower sub-assembly (5) and an upper sub-assembly (9), said upper sub-assembly (9), respectively said lower sub-assembly comprising at least a first upper reinforcement (11), respectively a first lower reinforcement (8), extending longitudinally over at least two-thirds of the length of said slide board (1), and further comprising friction damping means (16); said damping means (16) comprise a blade (17) of thickness less than 2 mm and means enabling the sliding of at least one of the ends of said blade (17);in that said damping means (16) are placed between said first lower reinforcement (8) and said first upper reinforcement (11), and in that the distance separating said damping means (16) from the first upper reinforcement (11), or from said first lower reinforcement (8) is between 0 mm and 4 times the thickness of said blade (17).;