Displaceable Ski Binding Front Unit for Ascent Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional touring ski bindings face limitations in downhill performance due to the need for ascent functionality, resulting in higher weight, increased standing height, and poor pivot point, which affects comfort and safety, particularly with pin systems that lack standardized safety features and efficient handling.

Innovation Solution

A front unit for ski bindings with a toe piece and engagement elements that allow the ski boot to pivot about a horizontal axis, where the toe piece is displaceable along the ski's longitudinal axis, enabling seamless transition between downhill and ascent positions without lifting the boot, and incorporating guide arms and pins for lateral release and improved handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bridge binding systems are used to provide ascent functionality, then the ski boot can be lifted for touring, but the standing height increases and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveascent functionalityVSAvoidbinding weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The binding is divided into separate front and rear units that can function independently. The front unit handles ascent positioning while the rear unit provides downhill fixation, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring a heavy integrated bridge structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heavy bridge structure connecting front and rear units is removed. Instead, the front unit is independently mounted on the ski, extracting the unnecessary connecting structure that added weight and height while still achieving the desired touring functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If bridge binding systems are used to provide ascent functionality, then the ski boot can be lifted for touring, but the standing height increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveascent functionalityVSAvoidstanding height

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The binding system is segmented into independent front and rear units, eliminating the need for a tall bridge structure. The front unit is mounted low on the ski, reducing the overall standing height while maintaining ascent capability through the independent front unit design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of moving object

If pin systems are used for ascent positioning, then the binding can be lighter, but lateral release behavior cannot be implemented and safety requirements are not met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding weightVSAvoidsafety and lateral release

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The front jaw is designed to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction, creating a dynamic system that can adapt between ascent and downhill modes. This dynamic design enables lateral release functionality during downhill skiing while maintaining the lighter weight characteristic of pin systems during ascent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The front unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides ascent positioning through the displaceable front jaw mechanism and simultaneously enables lateral release behavior during downhill skiing, making the lighter pin system architecture safe and versatile

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If the front jaw is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but the ski boot position differs between ascent and downhill positions affecting comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront unit structureVSAvoidride comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The front jaw is made displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the ski, allowing it to move to different positions for ascent and downhill modes. This dynamic adjustment maintains consistent ski boot positioning relative to the ski in both modes, improving ride comfort while the displacement mechanism remains relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2987538B1Front unit for a ski binding and system consisting of a front unit and a rear unit

Publication Date: 2018.01.10 STEINKE MARKUS

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D

AI summary

The present invention relates to a front unit (1) for a ski binding, comprising a toe piece (2) for fixing a ski boot in a downhill position and engagement elements (36) for pivoting the ski boot about a horizontal pivot axis (S) perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the ski in an uphill position, wherein, for switching between the downhill position and the uphill position, the toe piece (2) is arranged to be displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the ski relative to the engagement elements (36).