Foldable Ski
Oct 2018 - Aug 2019
What?
Addressed the challenge of transporting traditional, long skis.
Proposed the development of a foldable ski, "Essence 1", for enhanced convenience and portability.
Aimed to make skiing more accessible and enjoyable by easing travel with skis.
Multi-layer Pressing Timelapse
How?
Design and Construction: Utilized a multi-layer pressing technique, mirroring traditional ski construction, but with a foldable design.
Innovative Hinge Design: Overcame CNC machine limitations using SnoCAD for dimensions and Adobe Illustrator for accurate ski profiling.
Prototyping and Testing: Iterative design process with multiple prototypes, leading to a successful aluminum hinge mechanism for 180-degree folding.
Locking Mechanism: Developed a reliable locking system with a barrel bolt and a sliding binding plate for stability in the unfolded state.
Model Preparation
Cutting Wood Core into Profile Shape
Sanding Slots for Hinge Design
Milling the Hinge
Folded and Unfolded
Results
Successfully produced a foldable ski that is compact (less than 3 feet when folded) and functional for skiing.
Demonstrated innovative problem-solving, material selection, and prototyping skills.
Showcased proficiency in using design software and understanding of product development processes.
Close Up of the Hinge
Close Up of the Hinge