Elastic Snowboard Binding Clamping Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional snowboard bindings require users to bend down and perform multiple manipulations to secure and release their shoes, making the process impractical and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A snowboard binding design featuring a self-supporting hoop and elastically deformable links that allow for quick attachment and detachment of shoes without the need to bend, using a combination of a rear hoop and front link to clamp the shoe in place with elastic return forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bindings use multiple straps requiring manual manipulation, then the shoe can be securely fastened, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must bend down and perform multiple manipulations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoe securementVSAvoidattachment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The binding system uses elastic return forces from deformed links and hoop to automatically clamp and secure the shoe without requiring manual tightening operations. The elastic elements self-generate the securing force once the shoe is inserted, eliminating the need for users to manually tighten straps or perform multiple manipulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional mechanical strap tightening system with an elastic deformation-based securing mechanism. The elastic return force from deformed links and hoop substitutes for manual strap tensioning, converting a multi-step mechanical manipulation process into a simple insertion action that automatically engages the securing mechanism.

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

2Reliability

If conventional bindings require multiple manipulations to secure shoes, then reliable fastening is achieved, but the time required for attachment and detachment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoe fasteningVSAvoidattachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic-based securing mechanism allows the shoe to be rapidly inserted and immediately secured by the elastic return forces. The process skips the time-consuming steps of manual strap manipulation and tightening, rushing through the attachment process in a single insertion motion while maintaining reliable fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic links and hoop automatically generate the securing force as soon as the shoe is inserted, eliminating the time required for manual tightening operations. The system self-activates the fastening mechanism through the elastic deformation caused by shoe insertion, significantly reducing attachment time while ensuring reliable securement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If elastic return forces are used to clamp the shoe, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to elastically deformable components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoe attachmentVSAvoidbinding structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses elastically deformable links and a hoop that function as flexible structural elements. These flexible components replace rigid mechanical fastening systems, providing both the structural support needed for securement and the elastic deformation capability for automatic clamping, thereby managing complexity through material selection rather than mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the binding components by using elastically deformable materials with specific force-displacement characteristics. By carefully selecting and designing the elastic properties of the links and hoop, the system achieves automatic shoe clamping through parameter optimization rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates easy and efficient shoe attachment and detachment, maintaining the shoe in place without requiring the user to bend, enabling better control and ease of use on various slopes and terrain.

Implementation Method 1

The first link and/or the hoop is elastically deformable so that, when the shoe is housed in the receiving device, the latter is held clamped between the first and second support faces thanks to the elastic return of the first link and/or the arch.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic return: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3173133B1Device for accommodating a boot on a snow gliding device
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 SALOMON SA
  • EP3173133B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3173133B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3173133B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A device for holding a shoe (8) on a sliding device (9), the device comprising: - a seat (2) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) from a rear end (24) to a front end (23), and in width, from a first edge (21) to a second edge (22) in a transverse direction (Y), the seat having a top surface (20) on which the shoe (8) rests; - a hoop (3) attached to the seat (2), the hoop being self-supporting and positioned at the rear end (24) of the seat, the hoop (3) supporting a first bearing surface (310) intended to cooperate directly with a rear part (81) of the shoe (8) when the latter is housed in the reception device (1), - a first link (4) attached to the seat (2), the first link connecting the first edge (21) to the second edge (22), at the front end (23) of the seat (2),The first link (4) supports a second bearing surface (411) designed to cooperate directly with an anterior portion (82) of the shoe (8) when it is housed in the receiving device (1). A second link (6), pivotally mounted relative to the seat (2) around a transverse axis, the second link being provided with a retaining surface designed to come into contact with the instep of the shoe (8). The first link (4) and/or the arch (3) is elastically deformable so that, when the shoe (8) is housed in the receiving device (1), it is held tightly between the first (310) and second (411) bearing surfaces thanks to the elastic return of the first link (4) and/or the arch (3). The reception device further includes a stop (71) ensuring the positioning of the second link, when it tilts forward, in a stable fitting configuration for which the retention surface is placed, substantially,opposite the instep of the shoe (8).