Variable Stiffness Ski Using Nitinol and Piezoelectric Charging

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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 the risk of injury.

Innovation Solution

A system with variable stiffness core elements made of shape memory alloys (Nitinol) and a heating control module, powered by a rechargeable battery and solar/piezoelectric charging, allows real-time adjustment of stiffness via a mobile app, enabling the equipment to adapt to changing snow conditions and skiing styles.

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 complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ski incorporates variable stiffness core elements made of shape memory alloy that can dynamically change their mechanical properties in response to heating, allowing the ski to adapt its performance characteristics to different snow conditions throughout the day

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stiffness of the ski's core elements is changed by altering the temperature of the shape memory alloy material through resistive heating, which transforms the material's crystal structure and thereby modifies the ski's overall stiffness parameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of skis are used for different skiing conditions, then optimal performance for each condition is achieved, but the quantity of equipment and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage of different skiing conditionsVSAvoidnumber of ski sets

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single set of skis is designed to perform multiple functions across different snow conditions by incorporating shape memory alloy core elements that can be thermally activated to provide varying stiffness levels, replacing the need for multiple specialized ski sets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If shape memory alloy core elements are heated to change stiffness, then the stiffness parameter is modified, but energy is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestiffness adjustment capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ski system uses piezoelectric elements embedded in the ski to generate electrical energy from the mechanical energy of skiing itself, which is then stored in a rechargeable battery to power the resistive heating elements that adjust the shape memory alloy stiffness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces conventional battery-powered heating with a self-charging mechanism using piezoelectric energy harvesting from ski deformation, converting mechanical energy directly into electrical energy for powering the stiffness adjustment system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 pair of skis or snowboard to adjust stiffness dynamically, improving control and reducing injury risk by responding to terrain and snow quality changes, extending battery life through solar and piezoelectric charging.

Implementation Method 1

variable stiffness core elements made of shape memory alloys (Nitinol)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy phase change: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

a heating element positioned adjacent to the Nitinol layer to heat the Nitinol and induce its phase change

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

a heating element positioned adjacent to the Nitinol layer to heat the Nitinol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 4

solar/piezoelectric charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10493354B2Digitally controlled variable stiffness ski, snowboard, and boots system

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 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.