Two-Stage Boot Locking Mechanism for Secure Intermediate Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for fixing and tightening boots on snowboards and ski boots lack flexibility, security, and user-friendliness, often requiring trial and error for adjustment and experiencing unintentional loosening or total opening, which is cumbersome and not suitable for high-force applications.

Innovation Solution

A closing and tightening device with a tightening lever featuring a docking lock and a closing latch, allowing secure intermediate fixing and complete release, utilizing a bar and hook mechanism with rotatable locks for secure and user-friendly operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rack-based tightening device with straps is used, then the boot can be tightened and fixed, but the user must seek by trial and error the correct tightening when loosened, lacking flexibility and user-friendliness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing securityVSAvoiduser-friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism is divided into two independent locking stages: a first locking stage that secures the strap in an intermediate position, and a second locking stage that secures the strap in the final tightened position. This segmentation allows the user to independently control each stage, providing both security and ease of operation by eliminating trial-and-error adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first locking stage performs a preliminary action by securing the strap in an intermediate position before the final tightening. This preliminary fixation stabilizes the boot in a usable state while allowing the user to easily achieve the final tightened position without repeated adjustment, thus improving both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If temporary auxiliary attachment loops are used to facilitate closing and tightening, then the boot can be temporarily attached, but the temporary position is unstable and can be unintentionally lost, not suitable for high-force applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefacilitating closing and tighteningVSAvoidfixing security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism transitions from a static single-position fixation to a dynamic two-stage locking system. The first locking stage provides a stable intermediate position, while the second locking stage provides secure final fixation. This dynamic progression allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, providing stability when needed and ease of adjustment when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a complex mechanism with docking element and docking lock is used, then secure intermediate fixing is achieved, but the loop incorporates a complex mechanism representing a new drawback

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure intermediate fixingVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second locking stages are merged into a single integrated mechanism that operates through one continuous motion. The user actuates a single lever or button that sequentially engages both locking stages, eliminating the need for separate controls and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure intermediate and final fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuating mechanism serves multiple functions: it releases the first locking stage, engages the second locking stage, and provides both intermediate and final fixation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability of secure intermediate fixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the loosening of the shoe leads to total opening of the shoe, then the shoe can be completely released, but it requires delicate and unfriendly handling by the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete release capabilityVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanism is segmented into two independent stages: a first release stage that disengages the second locking stage, and a second release stage that disengages the first locking stage. This segmentation allows the user to control the release process in a controlled manner, providing complete release capability while maintaining ease of operation through deliberate, user-friendly handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2055359B1Arrangement for a device with secured closing and locking

Publication Date: 2014.06.11 SKIS ROSSIGNOL SA VOIRON FR

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The arrangement has a fixation element (11) comprising a docking bolt and a closing bolt, and a clamping lever (12) comprising a connection rod (30) for connecting a boot, with an imprisonment unit. The clamping lever comprises a rear end portion (10) of a connection bar (6) cooperating with the docking bolt in order to obtain a secure intermediate docking fixation configuration. The clamping lever comprises a docking rod cooperating with the closing bolt in order to obtain a closing configuration.