Convertible Binding With Rotatable Toe And Heel Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backcountry winter sports enthusiasts face challenges in accessing terrain without motorized assistance, as existing bindings are not adaptable for both snowboarding and snowshoeing, requiring separate equipment and increasing gear weight and conversion time.
Innovation Solution
A convertible binding system that can switch between snowboard and snowshoe configurations, featuring a rotatable toe and heel plate, a mounting bracket with sash levers, and an adjustable high back support, allowing for seamless conversion between modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate bindings are used for snowboarding and snowshoeing, then each binding can be optimized for its specific function, but the total gear weight increases and conversion time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system is designed to perform multiple functions - serving as both a snowboard binding and a snowshoe binding through the same device. The frame, toe plate, and heel plate can be reconfigured between two distinct operational modes, eliminating the need to carry separate bindings for snowboarding and snowshoeing activities
Solution Approach 2:
The binding incorporates movable and reconfigurable components including rotatable toe plates and heel plates that can transition between positions. The sash lever system dynamically adjusts the configuration of the binding, allowing users to convert between snowboard and snowshoe modes by moving parts rather than replacing the entire binding system
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate bindings are used for snowboarding and snowshoeing, then each binding can be optimized for its specific function, but conversion time increases when switching between activities
Solution Approach 1:
The binding incorporates movable and reconfigurable components including rotatable toe plates and heel plates that can transition between positions. The sash lever system dynamically adjusts the configuration of the binding, allowing users to convert between snowboard and snowshoe modes by moving parts rather than replacing the entire binding system
Solution Approach 2:
The binding is divided into separable functional components - the frame, toe plate, heel plate, and sash lever system - that can be independently repositioned and reconfigured. This segmentation allows for modular adjustment where only specific parts need to be moved during conversion, rather than reconfiguring the entire binding system at once
3Weight of moving object
If a single binding is designed to accommodate both snowboarding and snowshoeing, then gear weight is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The binding is divided into separable functional components - the frame, toe plate, heel plate, and sash lever system - that can be independently repositioned and reconfigured. This segmentation allows for modular adjustment where only specific parts need to be moved during conversion, rather than reconfiguring the entire binding system at once
Solution Approach 2:
The binding incorporates movable and reconfigurable components including rotatable toe plates and heel plates that can transition between positions. The sash lever system dynamically adjusts the configuration of the binding, allowing users to convert between snowboard and snowshoe modes by moving parts rather than replacing the entire binding system
4Weight of moving object
If a single binding is designed to accommodate both snowboarding and snowshoeing, then gear weight is reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The binding incorporates movable and reconfigurable components including rotatable toe plates and heel plates that can transition between positions. The sash lever system dynamically adjusts the configuration of the binding, allowing users to convert between snowboard and snowshoe modes by moving parts rather than replacing the entire binding system
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible binding comprising a base plate, a heel plate and a toe plate. The toe plate is rotatable from one end of a frame to either lie underneath the base plate or extend outward from the base plate to form a front portion of a snowshoe configuration. The heel plate is rotatable from a second end of the frame to either extend upward from the base plate to provide a heel back support for a snow board binding configuration to or extend outward from the base plate, in an opposing direction from said toe plate, to form a back portion of a snowshoe configuration. A mounting bracket with a forward and rear lip is attached to a snowboard and holds the convertible binding. A locking mechanism will hold the base plate down.