Variable Width Snowboard Edges for Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snow gliding boards, such as skis and snowboards, fail to simultaneously provide comfort and optimal performance across various terrains, as existing designs do not effectively combine edge stiffness characteristics to enhance gripping on snow.
Innovation Solution
A snow gliding board with a 'sandwich' type construction featuring a central longitudinal core, reinforcement layers, a protective and decorative layer, and edges composed of two closely linked edge elements with varying widths, where the internal edge is secured to the core and the external edge is secured through shape cooperation, allowing for improved gripping by creating zones of maximum attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single uniform edge structure is used, then the board structure is simple, but the gripping performance on snow is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The edge is divided into two distinct elements: an internal edge element secured to the core and an external edge element secured to the internal edge element. This segmentation allows each element to contribute differently to gripping performance while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and effective gripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge elements are designed with varying widths along their length, creating zones of maximum attachment at specific locations (such as the front and rear zones) while having different widths in other zones. This local variation in geometry optimizes gripping performance in critical areas without requiring uniform complexity throughout the entire edge structure.
2Reliability
If the edge width is uniform along the length, then the manufacturing is simple, but the zones of maximum attachment cannot be located
Solution Approach 1:
The edge elements feature varying widths along their length, with specific zones having greater width to create zones of maximum attachment. This local variation in geometry is achieved through molding or forming processes that can accommodate variable cross-sections, allowing attachment zone localization without excessive manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge structure incorporates variable geometry along its length, transitioning between different width zones to optimize performance in different operational conditions (front zone, rear zone, and intermediate areas). This dynamic variation in edge dimensions allows the board to adapt to different snow conditions and maneuvering requirements.
3Reliability
If closely linked edge elements are used to improve gripping, then the gripping zones are improved, but the edge structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The edge is segmented into two functional elements that are closely linked: the internal edge element attached to the core and the external edge element attached to the internal element. This segmentation creates distinct gripping zones while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of standard attachment methods such as adhesives or mechanical fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The two edge elements are closely linked together to function as an integrated edge system. The internal and external elements work in combination to provide enhanced gripping performance, merging their functions to achieve better snow attachment than a single edge element could provide alone.
Data Source
AI summary
A snow gliding board such as a ski, monoski or snowboard, having the shape of an elongated beam of variable thickness, comprising a central area called the ski area, extended forwards by a front part raised at its end to form a tip, and backwards by a rear part ending in a tail, said beam comprising: - a central longitudinal core consisting of a beam extending longitudinally, - at least one reinforcing layer, - a top protective and decorative layer, - a gliding layer made of a sheet of a material with a low coefficient of friction bordered by two squares, while to each of the lateral faces of the core is attached an edge consisting of a longitudinal profile, characterized in that the width of at least one of the edges has a longitudinally variable width, and is made up of two edge elements.