jamBoard: foldable, adaptive, pneumatic Skateboard
What is jamBoard ?
jamBoard is a pneumatically activated skateboard which can transform from a folded board to a full-sized skateboard upon pneumatic actuation. The key idea is to have the jamBoard fit into a person’s backpack, occupying less space and to weigh not more than the weight of the wheels. It is also adaptive in a sense that it adapts to provide suspension to the rider based on his/her body weight and riding pattern. In addition, jamBoard aides the rider in steering by sensing the intended steering direction from the feet of the user.
ConstructionÂ
jamBoard construction
jamBoard has inflatable balloons sandwiched between two jamSheets. The jamSheets are flexible and foldable when not jammed. The balloons disappear when not inflated. The pressure inside the balloons is used to modulate the suspension and hence insulate the user from the roughness of the terrain. The pressure differential in the balloons predicts user’s intended steering direction. Under the lower jamSheets is a PneUIduino board that performs sensing and control of the jamBoard.
Super interesting! I wonder if the movement of the user (after for example, a jump) could create the pressure that is released by the valves? Part of the challenge here is how to let pneui quickly change the pressure, perhaps the user can assist in some intelligent way.