Adjustable Ski Boot Outsole Elements for Binding Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski boots lack adaptability to individual body geometry and are limited in compatibility with various types of skiing, as they cannot be easily adjusted to align properly with the skier's body and are not adaptable for different ski bindings.
Innovation Solution
A ski boot design featuring separately attachable and adjustable outsole elements that can be positioned in forward, rearward, lateral, and medial directions, and rotated relative to the boot's centerline, allowing for customization and compatibility with different ski bindings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If outsole elements are made adjustable in multiple directions and rotatable, then adaptability to different skiing types and body geometry is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is divided into multiple separate adjustable elements (front outsole element, rear outsole element, and intermediate outsole element) that can be independently positioned and rotated. This segmentation allows each element to be adjusted for different skiing types and body geometries without requiring complex adjustment of the entire outsole assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable outsole elements are designed to accommodate multiple skiing disciplines (downhill, cross-country, ski-jumping, Telemark) and different binding types through a single unified adjustment system. The same outsole elements can be repositioned and rotated to suit various skiing requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized outsoles.
2Manufacturing precision
If outsole elements are made adjustable in multiple directions and rotatable, then alignment precision with skier's body is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole elements are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing users to reposition and rotate the elements as needed. The adjustment mechanism incorporates movable components that enable precise positioning in lateral, medial, forward, and rearward directions, as well as rotation relative to the boot centerline, while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive adjustment procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If outsole elements are made separately attachable and adjustable, then adaptability to different bindings is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outsole is segmented into multiple independently attachable elements (front, rear, and intermediate elements) that can be separately positioned and secured to the boot sole. This segmentation allows flexible configuration to match different binding types and attachment patterns without requiring a completely different outsole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The separately attachable outsole elements are designed to work with multiple binding types through a universal attachment system. The elements can be positioned and secured in various configurations to accommodate different binding attachment requirements, providing broad compatibility without increasing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ski boot comprises a sole portion (2) that is attached to one or more separate outsole elements (3, 4, 5) for location between the sole portion (2) and a ski binding. At least one of the outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) prior to a secure fixing of said outsole element (3, 4, 5) to the sole portion (2) by at least one fastener (13) so as to be adjustable in forward, rearward, lateral and medial directions relative to the sole portion (2) and so as to be rotatable clockwise and counter clockwise relative to a centerline of the boot. Preferably, at least one of the outsole elements (5) is adapted for attachment to the ski binding. Advantageously, a plurality of outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is provided that are adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) independently of the other outsole elements.