Electronic Binding Release Mechanism for Snowboards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski and snowboard bindings release too late under extreme forces, leading to a high risk of injury, especially in racing and popular sports, due to the limitations in force direction and binding tension.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled release unit with a controller and actuator housed in a triggering unit, which evaluates sensor signals from force sensors to determine the driving condition and triggers the release when a high probability of injury is detected, allowing for earlier release of the binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bindings are set tightly for racing performance, then binding strength and holding capability are improved, but the release force threshold increases causing delayed release and higher injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical force-threshold release system with an electronically controlled system. Sensors detect forces in multiple directions and feed signals to an evaluation device that determines release timing, substituting automatic mechanical release with intelligent electronic control to achieve both tight binding and timely release
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts release behavior based on real-time sensor data from multiple force sensors. The evaluation device processes varying force patterns and directions to determine optimal release timing, enabling adaptive release characteristics rather than fixed mechanical thresholds
2Reliability
If electronic control systems are integrated into bindings, then release accuracy and injury prevention are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system is divided into separate functional modules: multiple independent force sensors distributed at different locations, an evaluation device for signal processing, and actuators for release execution. This segmentation allows independent optimization and simplifies manufacturing and maintenance of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation device serves multiple functions: it receives signals from multiple sensors, processes force data in multiple directions, determines release timing, and controls actuators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are distributed in the binding area, then driving condition detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Force sensors are distributed at specific critical locations within the binding area where forces are most significant. Each sensor is positioned to detect local force characteristics, providing localized measurement data that collectively enables accurate overall driving condition assessment
Data Source
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AI summary
Binding for a ski board, the binding comprising: (a) a front holding unit (1) and a rear holding unit (2) which are connected or connectable to the ski board in order to hold a shoe on the ski board in a holding engagement, (b) a controller (10) with an evaluation unit (13) for evaluating a sensor signal (Si) of a sensor (11a-11f) and generating a release signal (T) depending on the result of the evaluation, and an actuator (15) signal-linked to the evaluation unit (13) and triggerable by the release signal (T), wherein the sensor (11a-11f) serves to detect the driving state of the ski board or of a person riding on the ski board, and the evaluation unit (13) is signal-linked or connectable to the sensor (11a-11f) in order to receive the sensor signal (Si), (c) and a device coupled to one of the holding units (1, 2) Coupling element (7;25), which forms a coupling interface with the actuator (15) which mechanically connects the actuator (15) to the coupled holding unit (2) at least when triggered, in order to loosen the holding engagement of at least one of the holding units (1, 2) when triggered, (d) wherein the control (10) is arranged in a housing (6) of a release unit (5), (e) the housing (6) has a connection device for a manually easily manufactured and releasable fastening engagement with a counter-connection device of the binding or the sliding board, (f) and the release unit (5) and the coupling interface are designed such that the release unit (5) can be attached to and detached from the binding or the sliding board without opening the housing (6).