I came across the top video a little while ago, then when I came across the second one it made me think of the first. I find it interesting that technology used to propel a tractor in snow 87 years ago found its way to being incorporated in to a snowboard. I wonder if the creator(s) of the second device were influence by the first.
1926 Armstead Snow Motor Vehicle
Video Description: "This screw-propelled vehicle was designed to cope with difficult snow and ice terrain. Instead of tracks, the vehicle is moved by the rotation of two horisontal cylinders fitted with a helical flange that engages with the snow surface.
The Armstead Snow Motor was developed in the early 1920's. Leading Detroit automobile makers had organized a company entitled "Snow Motors Inc" to put out a machine that would negotiate the deepest snowdrifts at six to eight miles an hour. The vehicle consisted of a tractor power-plant mounted on two revolving cylinders instead of wheels."
(2013) Propul~surf
Video Description: "Propul~surf is an alternative to ski tows and snowmobiles. It is a portable device: once packed in a bag, the snowboarder (or skier) can freely go down trails.This propulsion system is based on Archimedes' screw: this is efficient and soft for the environment."
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