Eccentric Adjustment Mechanism for Ski Boot Clamping Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping closure devices for shoes, such as ski and snowboard boots, are technically complex and expensive due to their fine adjustment mechanisms, which are often thread-like or gear-like, and lack a simple, cost-effective solution for precise, stepless adjustment of clamping force.

Innovation Solution

A toggle fastener device with an eccentric adjustment mechanism that allows for precise, stepless adjustment of the clamping force by connecting the elongated pulling device to an eccentric module, enabling rotational movement to be converted into longitudinal movement, thereby adjusting the clamping length and angle without releasing the device, using fewer components and avoiding unintentional adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If thread-like or gear-like fine adjustment devices are used, then precise adjustment of clamping force is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex thread-like or gear-like adjustment mechanisms with a simple elongate pulling device that can be directly adjusted in length. This substitution eliminates the need for intricate mechanical components while maintaining precise adjustment capability through the fundamental tensioning action of the pulling device itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the adjustment parameter from rotational movement (threads/gears) to direct linear dimension changes of the pulling device. By making the pulling device itself length-adjustable, the system achieves fine adjustment of clamping force through a simpler parameter change mechanism that reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If thread-like or gear-like fine adjustment devices are used, then precise adjustment of clamping force is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex thread-like or gear-like adjustment mechanisms with a simple elongate pulling device that can be directly adjusted in length. This substitution eliminates the need for intricate mechanical components while maintaining precise adjustment capability through the fundamental tensioning action of the pulling device itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a simpler pulling device structure that can be manufactured more economically. By eliminating complex adjustment mechanisms, the overall manufacturing cost is reduced while still achieving the desired precision through the basic tensioning function of the simplified component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the elongate pulling device is made length-adjustable, then comfortable adjustment of clamping force is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pulling device into multiple segments or sections that can be independently adjusted in length. This segmentation allows for incremental length changes while keeping each individual segment simple in structure, thereby achieving adjustability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the pulling device dynamically adjustable in length, allowing it to adapt to different clamping requirements. This dynamic capability is achieved through a simplified mechanism that enables length modification without requiring complex static adjustment structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If fine adjustment devices are added to existing clamping closure devices, then precise adjustment of clamping force is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the adjustment function directly into the pulling device itself rather than adding separate fine adjustment mechanisms. By combining the tensioning and adjustment functions into a single integrated component, the system achieves precise adjustment capability without increasing overall device complexity through additional separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the pulling device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both the primary tensioning function and the fine adjustment function. This universality eliminates the need for separate dedicated adjustment devices, thereby achieving precise control while maintaining simplicity in the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 technically simple, cost-effective means for precise adjustment of clamping force, allowing users to re-tighten the device without releasing it, enhancing user convenience and reducing the risk of unintentional adjustments, while maintaining a secure and tension-resistant clamping connection.

Implementation Method 1

the other end of the elongated pulling device opposite the clamping lever is connected to an eccentric adjustment device intended for attachment to the shoe, the eccentric adjusting device being used for Adjustment of the clamping force of the clamping closure device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP2925177B1Clamping closure device for shoes, in particular ski or snowboard boots
Publication Date: 2018.01.17 GUDO
  • EP2925177B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2925177B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2925177B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamping closure device for ski or snowboard boots, comprising at least one clamping lever (2) and an elongated tensioning device (3). One of the ends (2') of the clamping lever (2) is hinged to a support part (4) provided for fixing to the shoe, and one end (3') of the elongated tensioning device (3) is connected to the clamping lever (2). In a particularly advantageous manner, the other elongated tensioning device (3) end (3'') opposite the clamping lever (2) is connected to an eccentric adjusting device (5) to be fixed to the shoe, or the elongated tensioning device (3) is guided via an eccentric adjusting device (5) to be fixed to the shoe, wherein the eccentric adjusting device (5) is designed to finely adjust the clamping force of the clamping closure device (1).