Ski Engineering Project HELP

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Insane

answers to some questions people have asked:

How do you stop?

Its just like the Freebord, wheels on the sides that can only roll in one direction (downhill) act as edges to stop/carve/control your speed while you are primarily riding on two swivel wheels on the base of the ski that creates the sliding sensation...Ill post some drawings/pics of the prototype later that will hopefully clarify this haha

'binding' part will be difficult.. Or would you use normal ski boots??

As of right now, we took the wheels off of roller blades and bolted the rigid plastic boot to our prototype...its pretty ratchet but it will work for now. Ski boots are always an option that would work. Would you prefer real ski boots and bindings or something that is easier to just throw on and not as hot in the summer? We will be figuring the binding situation out after we get the ski done.

what is flexure?

How flexible the ski is.

Feb 10 2014 1:03PM

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TOAST.

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Crazy Fool

There is a reason skis come off during falls.

Feb 10 2014 1:34PM

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Insane

this. post pics once you build one.

I think the hardest part for you guys might be the binding interface, so I'd highly recommend simply using regular alpine ski bindings on the skis. Something like a universal mfd plate for any type of bindings could be nice as well. That way you could still use regular ski boots, and the experience would match skiing that much more.

Feb 10 2014 1:44PM

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Theskiingguy

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Ridiculous

Filled out the survey, hope to see some pics/vids soon :)

Feb 10 2014 2:52PM

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MAWman

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Pro

did the survey

You should totes start a thread and put some pics and drawings and what not youd get tons of free feedback and advice!!!!

Feb 10 2014 5:18PM

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Insane

I used something like this recently and it was sick. You can carve with it, and pump to get speed on flat without taking a foot off.

You could try to do a 4 wheeled version with a widened front axle, and unlike a skateboard, you could use larger wheels. But the key is making it comfortable to push with one leg (that was the awkward part of the 3 wheeler.)

The goal is to make it a mode of transport.

If I were to do a 3 wheeler, I'd use larger wheels. But the one I used was for children, and I thought I'd break it.

Feb 10 2014 5:33PM

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Posts: 1175 - Karma: 153

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Insane

There would still be some sort of release system we could develop. The question is whether or not you would want to wear your ski boots all day in the summer. Once you get down the hill would you want to walk up a massive paved road in ski boots all the way back to the top?

To Peanutbutterjelly:

Yes that is definitely something that is being considered. Right now we are more concerned with getting the ski carving aspect down and will be developing the binding method later on in the semester.

Thanks for the feedback everyone keep it coming!

Feb 10 2014 6:30PM

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Miomo

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No Life

It's all fun and games until someone hits a pothole.

Feb 10 2014 6:39PM

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Posts: 1953 - Karma: 1,481

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Insane

Yeah not at all what we're talking about.

That is one problem with the freebord though, you can't really cruise on flat with it. its strictly a downhill toy, like skis...

i suppose that's why rollerblades are nice. you can skate around a flat skatepark with no slope, bungee, winch etc...

When you guys are done with your high-speed downhill death machines, you could build something skateable like rollerblades, but more forgiving like skis for a nice summer skiing experience.

Like these, but locked in, and slideable on pavement.

Feb 10 2014 7:13PM

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Insane

If we have the time, we will start redesigning now from scratch! Thanks for all the feedback, we were really trying to get a feel for what people wanted and what people would enjoy using the most. You guys have already helped a ton. Last semester there were only 2 of us working on the project so we didnt get as much accomplished as we would have liked, but this semester we recruited 6 people and a lot more budget/machining time.

That being said, here are some CAD drawings of our "high speed downhill death machines" prototype, as well as what we managed to build last semester in the shop.

What the ski would look like turning, the block is where the binding would be:

The edge wheels are at different heights so more wheels become engaged at different points during a turn. The inside pair of edge wheels on both sides are spring mounted so as you apply more pressure they resist the turn and allow you to get on the outer pair of edge wheels so you can carve with more edge.

A close up of our prototype so far that is still lacking the edge wheels because of our lack of machining time:

strapped in:

Anyways we were designing with downhill use in mind, but we have a meeting tomorrow and I will definitely voice all of the ideas you guys have given me so far. I would like to try and redesign so the ski could also be used on flat ground as a mode of transportation as well as downhill and in the park and I already have some ideas for simple modifications to our existing model that might allow for that. If you are curious about the length, right now we are at 140 cm i believe, center-mounted and symmetrical sidecut.

Feb 10 2014 8:27PM

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Insane

Oh wow. I like your design. literally like two narrow freebords!

I cant wait for a video of you guys carving turns on asphalt with these!

Might i suggest you mount the slide wheels with adjustable-height settings? you may want to play around with how much lateral lean it takes to get them to engage and slow you down. With the right "edge grip" though, I'm sure you could skate around on flat ground with those things.

I must say I'm jealous of your engineering project. Building is fun. especially toys.

Feb 11 2014 1:21AM

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Phil-X-

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Crazy Fool

do a backflip pussy

Feb 11 2014 1:25AM

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Insane

Is there any way you can connect the two skis together, like with the scooter, and then have a handlebar. Being able to hold it with hands would give that extra grip that you'd lose if you removed specialized boots.

Also, without specialized boots you could take it on a train or public transport. Maybe even fold it up.

Push like a skateboard, steer like a scooter, carve like rollerblades. Travel like a hobo.

Feb 11 2014 5:14AM

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Insane

.. I should add, what I have in mind is something that would allow a person to carry a backpack steadily, but still be on wheels, yet also be able to quickly jump on a bus, train or hitchhike; without having to take off any shoes: ideally allowing the scooter to be folded up.

Feb 11 2014 8:55AM

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Insane

Thanks man! We already felt out what height would feel the most realistic to engaging edges and designed accordingly. They would most likely be adjustable on a final model, but as of right now, they are going to be at a set height because its much simpler

Feb 11 2014 11:25AM

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Posts: 1953 - Karma: 1,481

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Insane

if you want a scooter, get a scooter. They're trying to ski on pavement. Not re-invent practical transportation.

Feb 11 2014 12:11PM

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JLev

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Insane

Right now rollerblading is as close to summer skiing as you can get. Any better than that will be a win!

Feb 17 2014 6:45AM

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