Variable Stiffness Ski Using Shape Memory Alloy Core

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skis and snowboards have fixed performance characteristics that cannot adapt to changing snow conditions throughout the day, requiring multiple sets of equipment for different conditions and skill levels, which limits control and increases injury risk.

Innovation Solution

A digitally controlled variable stiffness system for skis, snowboards, and boots using shape memory alloys and a heating control module, allowing users to adjust stiffness via a mobile app, with core elements embedded in the equipment that change phase in response to temperature changes, enabling real-time adaptation to terrain and snow conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If skis are designed with fixed performance characteristics for specific skiing conditions, then control and performance are optimized for those conditions, but the equipment cannot adapt to changing snow conditions throughout the day

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAdaptability to changing snow conditionsVSAvoidEquipment configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ski incorporates a core element made of shape memory alloy that can dynamically change its stiffness properties in response to temperature changes. This allows the ski to transition from a fixed-state design to a dynamic, adjustable system that adapts to varying snow conditions throughout the day without requiring multiple separate equipment sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of the core element material from a conventional rigid material to a shape memory alloy whose mechanical properties (stiffness) can be altered by temperature. This parameter change enables the ski to modify its performance characteristics in response to environmental temperature changes, providing adaptability to different snow conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of skis are used for different skiing conditions and skill levels, then performance optimization for each condition is achieved, but equipment management becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePerformance optimization across conditionsVSAvoidNumber of equipment sets required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory alloy core element enables a single ski to perform multiple functions by adjusting its stiffness to match different snow conditions and skill levels. The same ski can be optimized for groomed runs, powder, or icy conditions through temperature-induced phase changes in the core material, eliminating the need for multiple specialized ski sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shape memory alloy core element utilizes phase transitions between martensitic (softer) and austenitic (stiffer) states in response to temperature changes. This phase transition mechanism allows the single ski to effectively become different types of skis suited for various conditions, reducing the quantity of equipment needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Speed

If ski core temperature adjusts to ambient temperature quickly, then the ski responds rapidly to environmental changes, but control over optimal performance timing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTemperature adjustment speedVSAvoidPerformance control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the thermal state of the ski and provide feedback to a control system. This feedback mechanism allows the ski to automatically adjust its stiffness in response to temperature changes while maintaining optimal performance characteristics, balancing rapid response with controlled adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The shape memory alloy core element automatically adjusts the ski's stiffness in response to temperature changes without requiring manual intervention. The material self-regulates its mechanical properties based on environmental conditions, providing both rapid response and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 single set of equipment to adapt to varying snow conditions, improving control and reducing injury risk by dynamically adjusting stiffness based on user input and environmental factors, enhancing the skiing/snowboarding experience.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy phase change: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

A digitally controlled variable stiffness system for skis, snowboards, and boots using shape memory alloys and a heating control module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10603571B2Digitally controlled variable stiffness ski, snowboard, and boots system

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 VERISPELLIS SKIS & SNOWBOARDS INC

AI summary

A system, method and apparatus for a digitally Controlled Variable Stiffness item of athletic equipment, such as a Ski, Snowboard, and Boots. A core of thermally responsive metal alloy, such as Nitinol is disposed within the athletic equipment. A thermal control module and controller permit the athlete to program the athletic equipment to a desired stiffness parameter. The controller may include an app operable via a mobile computing device in communication with the thermal control module.