Undercut Sidewall Structure for Stronger Ski and Snowboard Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snow riding implements such as skis and snowboards face challenges in durability and performance under high stress conditions, particularly during freestyle events where they slide along rails, due to inadequate structural support and bonding between the sidewalls and core.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sidewalls that undercut or extend below the core in midportions, providing a stronger mechanical bond and enhanced durability by using materials more rigid than the core, with varying angles and thicknesses to balance flexibility and support across the length of the implement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the sidewalls are made with traditional bonding to the core, then the manufacturing is simple, but the durability and bond strength are insufficient under high stress conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewalls extend below the core in a third dimension (depth), creating an undercut geometry that transforms a simple surface bond into a mechanical interlock. This dimensional change allows the sidewalls to engage the core from multiple directions, significantly increasing bond strength without adding complex assembly steps or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement uses a composite structure combining the core material with sidewall material that has different mechanical properties. The sidewalls are made from a material more rigid than the core, creating a composite construction where each material is optimized for its specific function - the core provides flexibility and the sidewalls provide structural support and durability.
2Reliability
If the sidewalls extend below the core in midportions with varying thicknesses, then the durability and support are enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewalls feature varying thickness and undercut depth along their length, with greater extension in midportions where stress is highest and reduced extension toward the ends. This local variation in geometry optimizes durability where needed while reducing manufacturing complexity in less critical areas, balancing reliability with manufacturability.
3Strength
If the sidewalls use materials more rigid than the core, then the structural support is improved, but the flexibility of the implement may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The implement uses different materials with different mechanical properties in different locations - the core provides flexibility throughout, while the more rigid sidewalls provide localized structural support. The varying thickness and undercut geometry further modulate the flexibility-strength balance, allowing the implement to be rigid where needed and flexible where required.
Data Source
AI summary
A snow riding implement includes a top face, a bottom face, a tail portion, a tip portion, and a midportion. A core of a first material extends from the tail portion to the tip portion. A sidewall extends between the top face and the bottom face and is formed from a second material different than the first material. The sidewall has a first side portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first side portion extends along the midportion at a first angle oblique to the bottom face, wherein the first side undercuts core. The second side portion extends along the tail portion at a second angle, different than the first angle, relative to the bottom face. The third side portion extends along the tip portion at a third angle different than the first angle relative to the bottom face.