Blockless Snowboard Highback with Pivotable Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior snowboard binding systems face challenges in optimally positioning the highback relative to the rider's ankle due to the need for a mechanical stop to adjust the maximum forward lean angle, which results in a bulky design and limited flexibility, compromising the performance and feel of the binding.
Innovation Solution
A binding design that eliminates the sliding block mechanism by using pivotable highback legs with elongate curved slots and teeth on the heel loop and highback, allowing adjustable attachment hardware to set the maximum forward lean angle, enabling a more flexible and lightweight highback with a positive stop position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding block mechanism is used to adjust the maximum forward lean angle, then the highback can be positioned relative to the rider's ankle, but the design becomes bulky and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sliding block mechanism entirely from the highback structure. Instead of adding a block that slides along the highback to adjust the stop position, the invention uses a pivotable attachment system where the highback connects to the baseplate through a pivot axis, allowing the stop position to be adjusted by changing the pivot location rather than using a sliding block along the highback length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures multiple predetermined pivot positions for the highback attachment to the baseplate. These positions are established during manufacturing, allowing the rider to select the desired maximum forward lean angle by choosing among these pre-set positions rather than requiring continuous adjustment during use.
2Ease of operation
If a sliding block mechanism is used to adjust the maximum forward lean angle, then the highback can be positioned relative to the rider's ankle, but the highback flexibility and even flexure pattern are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the sliding block mechanism, the highback structure is freed from the structural modifications required to accommodate the block and its sliding path. This allows the highback to maintain a more uniform thickness and material distribution, enabling an even flexure pattern that better conforms to the rider's ankle and provides improved flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If a sliding block mechanism is used to adjust the maximum forward lean angle, then the highback can be positioned relative to the rider's ankle, but the binding becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The elimination of the sliding block mechanism reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-controlled. Fewer parts mean lower manufacturing costs, simpler assembly processes, and reduced inventory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the adjustment functionality into the pivot attachment system between the highback and baseplate, combining the positioning and stopping functions into a single mechanical interface rather than requiring separate sliding block and stop components.
Data Source
AI summary
A binding comprising a baseplate that is adapted to attach to a gliding board such as a snowboard, the gliding board having lateral and medial sidewalls and a heel loop, and a pivotably highback pivotably mounted to the baseplate. The heel loop includes at least one forwardly disposed tooth, and the highback includes a plurality of rearwardly disposed teeth. The maximum forward lean angle is established by the engagement of the heel loop and highback teeth. In one embodiment the highback adjustably attaches to the baseplate with hardware extending through arcuate slots, such that the maximum forward lean angle is determined by the position of the hardware in the slots.