Adjustable Buckle for Ski Pole Wrist Strap Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing buckles for wrist straps on sporting poles are not adjustable, leading to unsuitable wrist and hand positions and difficulties in quickly regaining control of the pole after losing grip.

Innovation Solution

A buckle with two opposing elements and locking means that allow the tape to be fixed at different positions, enabling adjustable distance between the wrist strap and handgrip, and featuring hinge and hooking mechanisms for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the tape is permanently associated with the inside of the buckle, then the buckle structure is simple, but it is impossible to vary the mutual distance between the wrist strap and the handgrip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of wrist strap distanceVSAvoidbuckle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buckle is divided into two separate elements: a first element and a second element. The tape can be positioned between these elements at different locations, enabling adjustment of the wrist strap distance from the handgrip. This segmentation allows the tape-buckle connection to be variable rather than permanent, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buckle transitions from a static, permanently fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The two elements can be moved relative to each other along the tape, allowing the user to change the distance between the wrist strap and handgrip based on different usage conditions and personal preference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the distance between wrist strap and handgrip is fixed, then the buckle design is simple, but the user may be obliged to hold wrist and hand in an unsuitable position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfort in holding positionVSAvoidbuckle mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the buckle into two elements with the tape running between them, the design enables adjustable positioning. Users can set the optimal distance for their wrist and hand position, improving ease of operation while accepting increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If the distance between hand and handgrip is unsuitable, then the buckle structure remains simple, but the user cannot rapidly regain hold after losing control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of regaining controlVSAvoidbuckle adjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic adjustment capability allows users to optimize the wrist strap distance for rapid control recovery. By enabling variable positioning rather than a fixed simple structure, users can achieve faster regaining of control while accepting the complexity of the adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1795239B1Buckle for connecting a wrist strap to the handgrip of a pole for use in sporting activities
Publication Date: 2009.06.03 GABEL
  • EP1795239B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1795239B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP1795239B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention is a buckle (1; 100; 200) for connecting a wrist strap (P) to the handgrip (M) of a pole (P) for sporting activities such as skiing, trekking and the like. Said buckle (1; 100; 200) comprises a body (2; 102; 202) consisting of an outer jaw (3; 103; 203) and an inner jaw (4; 104; 204) between which it is possible to identify locking means (5; 105; 205) suited to cooperate with a tape (F) forming part of the wrist strap (P) and arranged in different positions between the outer jaw (3; 103; 203) and the inner jaw (4; 104; 204) in order to retain the wrist strap (P) at different distances from the handgrip (M).