Dynamic Ski Binding Positioning via Electric Motor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ski binding systems require athletes to stop or bend to manually adjust the binding position, leading to inefficiencies and impracticality, especially in dynamic terrain conditions.

Innovation Solution

An electrical remote control system with a motor and transmission mechanism allows for dynamic positioning of the ski binding along the ski's longitudinal axis, enabling athletes to adjust the binding's position without interruption using an electric motor and transmission mechanism mounted on a plate, allowing for seamless adjustments during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual device (lever or rotary knob) is used to adjust binding position, then the binding position can be changed, but the athlete must stop or bend down to operate it, causing loss of time and rhythm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding position adjustmentVSAvoidtime lost during adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows the athlete to adjust binding position independently and autonomously during movement by pulling a cord or pressing a button, without requiring external assistance or stopping. The binding system serves itself through the athlete's simple input action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical adjustment system (lever or rotary knob requiring hand operation) with a simplified cord-pulling or button-pressing mechanism that can be operated remotely during movement, substituting complex manual mechanical interaction with a simpler control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the binding position is adjusted frequently to adapt to changing terrain, then performance can be optimized, but manual adjustment becomes impractical due to loss of rhythm and efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptationVSAvoidskiing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding position is made dynamically adjustable during skiing through simple cord-pulling or button-pressing actions, allowing the athlete to adapt to changing terrain conditions without breaking rhythm. The system transitions from static manual adjustment to dynamic on-the-fly adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism allows continuous adaptation during skiing without interruption of the skiing flow. The athlete can adjust binding position while maintaining movement and rhythm, ensuring continuous useful action rather than periodic stops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If a manual lever or rotary knob is mounted on the ski, then binding position can be adjusted, but the athlete cannot operate it while moving due to accessibility and rhythm loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding adjustment controlVSAvoidinterruption of movement rhythm

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control mechanism is relocated from a position requiring hand access (lever or knob on the ski) to a position accessible during movement (cord in hand or button on boot/glove). This dimensional change in control accessibility allows operation while skiing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

A cord or button acts as an intermediary between the athlete and the binding adjustment mechanism. Instead of directly manipulating the binding hardware, the athlete uses the cord or button as a mediator to trigger adjustment, enabling remote operation during movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient and continuous adjustment of the binding position, improving performance and user experience by allowing athletes to maintain rhythm and adapt to changing terrain without losing time or efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

An electric motor (3) is arranged so that it pushes a binding (2) on a ski forward or backward depending on an electric signal given by an athlete.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy to mechanical energy conversion:

Implementation Method 2

The motor (3) pushes/pulls the binding (2) and the heel (4) via a transmission mechanism.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical energy transmission:

Data Source

PatentEP3383511B1System for optional dynamic positioning of a ski binding on a ski

Publication Date: 2020.02.12 ROTTEFELLA AS

Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b

AI summary

System for optional dynamic positioning of a ski binding (2) or parts thereof on or in a ski during use, the system comprising a motor (3), an energy source for driving the motor (3), a control system arranged to control the motor (3) and a power transmission mechanism (5) that transmits power from the motor (3) to the ski binding (2) or parts thereof.