Sliding Board Binding Front Unit Passive Position Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gliding board bindings face challenges in providing both high release forces for downhill skiing and ease of use for ascents, with current touring bindings being more suited for ascents and alpine bindings for descents, leading to compromises in functionality.

Innovation Solution

A front unit for gliding board bindings that can be adjusted into a passive position, allowing it to be mounted separately between a first front unit and a heel unit, enabling easy use of existing alpine bindings for ascents while providing high release forces, and featuring a holding device with engagement elements that pivot to accommodate both configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a touring binding is used for ascents, then ease of operation is improved, but release forces are insufficient for sporty downhill skiing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of use for ascentsVSAvoidrelease forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The binding system is divided into separate functional units: a touring binding unit optimized for ascents and an alpine binding unit optimized for downhill skiing with high release forces. This segmentation allows each unit to be specialized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional binding system that can operate in two distinct modes: touring mode for ascents and alpine mode for downhill skiing. The system universally supports both functions through the combination of separate binding units that can be used independently or together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate second front unit is added between the first front unit and heel unit, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for different configurationsVSAvoidbinding system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding system is divided into separate functional units: a touring binding unit optimized for ascents and an alpine binding unit optimized for downhill skiing. This segmentation allows each unit to be specialized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second front unit is designed to be dynamically adjustable between different positions and configurations. It can be moved to a recessed position during downhill skiing to avoid interference, and to an operative position during ascents to provide touring binding functionality, allowing the system to adapt to different operating modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2662121B1Front unit of a sliding board binding and sliding board binding

Publication Date: 2017.08.09 BARTHEL FRITZ

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AI summary

The front unit (100) comprises a holding unit, which is adapted for engaging an aquaplane shoe and holding around a transverse axis running transverse to an aquaplane longitudinal axis swiveling at an aquaplane attachment. The front unit is adjustable in a passive position different from the opening position and the closed position, in which the holding unit is set to an aquaplane in a flat configuration. The adjustment of the front unit is carried out in the passive position into the pivotal movement of the holding unit. An independent claim is included for an aquaplane attachment comprises a heel unit.