Improvement to Ski Edges
Executive Summary:
Steel edges on skis crack from the impact on handrails.
Developed a system to make skis last longer.
Neoprene dampening system, along with a modular edge system.
Testing a standard park ski construction
Testing of new design.
Design Animations
Impact Study:
6000N of impact on a 2” diameter steel cylinder.
Comparable to a 220lb skier falling from 7 feet onto a handrail
Key Performance Criteria
Stress/Strain Encountered by Entire ski
Stress/Strain Encountered by replaceable edge
Dampening and rebounding effectiveness
Stress/Stain Encountered by Standard Edge of Ski
Control
Simulations are great, but we should make something…
We took a set of Line Tom Wallisch Pros, and removed one edge. Then we installed our new edge system in its place.
Edge Cracks on all 3 standard edges
Industry improvements
Design for longer lasting products
Improve sustainable ski technology and materials
Repair rather than replace
Economic sustainability for the consumer
A better business model
Experimental
Neoprene dampening pad and replaceable edge reduced stress and strain by 40%
Time to Test
Tayo rode the prototype skis for one day and gave then a bit of a torture test.
The Results
New edge design has no cracks
Product solution
Replaceable underfoot edge
Rubber between edge layers to protect core
Longer lasting skis with less of an impact on the environment
Environmentally friendly materials-steel, rubber
6 month vs 3 year product life
Construction materials can be separated and recycled post use