Elastic Crampon Attachment Mechanism for Boot Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crampon-boot kits are complex, heavy, bulky, and costly due to intricate mechanisms for attachment and detachment, which can lead to reliability issues and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A structurally simple crampon design with an elastic connection system using pins and grooves, allowing easy attachment and detachment without specialized mechanisms, featuring a deformable plate that securely engages and disengages from the boot, reducing weight and bulk while ensuring stability and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism with lateral projections and buttons is used for crampon attachment, then the crampon can be securely connected to the boot, but the boot weight and bulk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate elements: the crampon has connection means with engagement elements, while the boot has corresponding reception elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for complex integrated mechanisms and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex actuation mechanism (buttons, lateral projections, internal linkages) is completely removed from the boot. Only simple passive reception elements remain in the boot, while all active connection functions are transferred to the crampon itself, significantly reducing boot weight and bulk.
2Reliability
If a complex mechanism with lateral projections and buttons is used for crampon attachment, then the crampon can be securely connected to the boot, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate elements: the crampon has connection means with engagement elements, while the boot has corresponding reception elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for complex integrated mechanisms and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex actuation mechanism (buttons, lateral projections, internal linkages) is completely removed from the boot. Only simple passive reception elements remain in the boot, while all active connection functions are transferred to the crampon itself, significantly reducing boot weight and bulk.
3Ease of operation
If a complex mechanism is prearranged in the boot sole, then the crampon can be attached and detached, but production costs increase due to complex construction operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate elements: the crampon has connection means with engagement elements, while the boot has corresponding reception elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for complex integrated mechanisms and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism uses simple, inexpensive elements that can be easily manufactured and assembled. The reception elements in the boot are basic structural features rather than complex mechanisms, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Ease of operation
If a mechanism with moving parts is used for crampon attachment, then the crampon can be connected and disconnected, but the mechanism is susceptible to breakage and jams
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate elements: the crampon has connection means with engagement elements, while the boot has corresponding reception elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for complex integrated mechanisms and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is designed to be self-actuating through natural user movements. When the user steps into the boot or applies downward pressure, the engagement elements automatically engage or disengage without requiring separate actuation mechanisms, eliminating susceptibility to mechanical failure.
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 lightweight, economical, and reliable crampon system that is easy to connect and disconnect, enhancing usability and reducing production costs by eliminating complex mechanisms, thus improving handling and transportability while maintaining stability on icy or snowy terrain.
Implementation Method 1
The connection structure (18) is made of an elastic material and is shaped in a manner so that, when the crampon (3) is connected to the boot (2), following a predetermined elastic deformation of the connection structure (18), the engagement means (14) disengage the engagement seat (15) of the boot (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A crampon (3) comprises a main structure (7) and means (12) for the removable connection with a boot (2), wherein the removable connection means (12) comprise engagement means (14) adapted to engage an engagement seat (15) of the boot (2) and an elastically deformable connection structure (18) associated with the engagement means (14).The connection structure (18) is shaped so that, when the crampon (3) is connected to the boot (2), following a predetermined elastic deformation of the connection structure (18), the engagement means (14) disengage the engagement seat (15) of the boot (2).