Climbing Skin Fixing Device with Snap-Fit Latching Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional climbing skin fixing devices are limited in flexibility and reliability, often requiring specialized skis and experiencing detachment issues due to snow and mechanical stress, especially with hook and loop connections.
Innovation Solution
A climbing skin fixing device with a separate base body and coupling body featuring mutually complementary latching connection means, allowing for easy detachment and reattachment without tools, and designed to work with various ski types using snap-in connections that are resistant to snow and cold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Velcro fastener is used to connect the coupling body to the climbing skin, then the climbing skin can be tensioned and held in firm contact with the ski, but the hook and loop connection can become detached due to snow and mechanical stress and cannot be closed when clogged with snow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the Velcro hook-and-loop mechanical system with a snap-fit latching mechanism featuring a latching body with a resilient arm that engages with a latching recess. This mechanical substitution eliminates the snow-clogging issue inherent in Velcro systems while maintaining secure connection and ease of operation through simple snap-in/snap-out actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arm of the latching body acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the coupling body and the base body. It provides a reliable mechanical engagement that is insensitive to snow accumulation, allowing the connection to remain secure under rough conditions while still enabling easy detachment when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bracket or hook is used to attach the climbing skin to the ski tip, then the attachment can be simple, but it is limited to use with specially adapted skis only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the climbing skin attachment system into separable components: a base body attached to the climbing skin, and a coupling body with a ski tip interface. This segmentation allows the coupling body to be designed with different configurations (bracket, hook, or other interfaces) to match various ski types, thereby increasing adaptability without complicating the overall attachment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body with the latching mechanism serves as a universal interface that can work with different types of coupling bodies designed for various ski configurations. This multi-functionality enables the same base body to accommodate brackets for slotted ski tips, hooks for traditional ski tips, or other attachment methods, making the system universally applicable across different ski types.
3Ease of repair
If the coupling body is made as a single integrated piece with the climbing skin, then the structure is simple, but the worn parts cannot be replaced easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the coupling body from the base body, allowing them to be independently replaced. The resilient latching mechanism enables tool-free detachment and reattachment, making it easy to replace worn coupling bodies or base bodies without replacing the entire climbing skin assembly, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining simple device structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a flexible, reliable, and easy-to-use climbing skin attachment system that can be adapted to different ski types, ensuring secure attachment even under rough conditions and allowing for easy replacement of worn parts.
Implementation Method 1
a latching body (46) with a resilient arm (47) that can be inserted into a latching recess (45) and with which a latching connection can be established in each case reversibly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
Fixing device (10) comprises a base body (12) with a fixing section (20) to fix to a longitudinal section of a crampon (14) and a coupling body (16) with a coupling section (28) for detachedly coupling to the tip of a ski. The base body and the coupling body have complementary locking units for joining the base body and the coupling body. An independent claim is also included for a ski kit with the above fixing device. Preferred Features: The coupling section of the coupling body is made from a rubber-elastic material. The base body is an injection molded part made from a two-component plastic material of different hardness.