Dynamic Ski Binding Positioning via Electric Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski binding systems require athletes to stop or bend to manually adjust the binding position, disrupting rhythm and efficiency, especially in varied terrain, and are impractical for frequent adjustments during competitions.
Innovation Solution
A remote, electrically actuated system that allows athletes to dynamically change the ski binding's position longitudinally using buttons or levers on a glove or ski pole, with an electrical actuator and locking mechanism to securely maintain the chosen position, enabling adjustments without interrupting movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual actuator is used to change binding position, then the athlete can adjust grip and glide characteristics, but the athlete must stop or bend down to operate it, disrupting rhythm and losing time
Solution Approach 1:
A cable or rod mechanism acts as an intermediary to transmit the adjustment command from a remote location (hand grip area) to the binding mechanism, allowing the athlete to operate the system without stopping or bending down
Solution Approach 2:
The manual lever or turning knob operation is replaced with a push-button or trigger mechanism that activates an electric motor, substituting direct mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manual lever or turning knob is used for binding adjustment, then the binding can be positioned between two or more longitudinal positions, but frequent adjustment becomes impractical due to the need to stop or bend down
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the athlete to perform adjustments independently and continuously during motion through simple button presses or trigger pulls, making frequent adjustments practical and convenient
Solution Approach 2:
Complex manual manipulation of levers or knobs is replaced with simple electronic button or trigger actuation, dramatically improving ease of operation for frequent adjustments
3Device complexity
If the binding position is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to varying terrain conditions such as hilly trails
Solution Approach 1:
The binding position transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic adjustable configuration, allowing the system to adapt to varying terrain conditions while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design
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 seamless and efficient adjustments of ski binding positions during use, improving performance by optimizing grip and glide based on terrain, reducing time loss and stiffness, and enhancing control and speed across different skiing styles.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical actuator which can slide the binding forwards or backwards between different longitudinal positions on the ski
Implementation Method 2
a locking mechanism which can lock the binding at the selected position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The present invention concerns a system for optional dynamic positioning of a ski binding (2) or parts of this, on or in a ski during use. The invention is characterized in that the system comprises an electrical actuator (6), an energy source (7) in order to run the electrical actuator, in addition to a control system (8) adapted to control the electrical actuator.