Floating Telemark Ski Binding Pivot Axis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional telemark ski bindings cause mechanical stress and premature wear of shoes due to the blocking of the stirrup relative to the ski, leading to deformation and loss of precision, and they are difficult to use and fit, especially in snowy conditions.

Innovation Solution

A ski binding with a floating front assembly that pivots around a transverse axis located in front of the boot, allowing for regular and progressive tension without excessive stress on the material, and incorporating a safety system for easy shoe removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the stirrup is fixed relative to the ski in traditional telemark bindings, then the boot is securely held and control is maintained, but mechanical stress and premature wear of the boot occur due to blocking of the stirrup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidboot durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stirrup is made movable relative to the ski by introducing a pivot axis, allowing it to rotate dynamically during telemark skiing. This dynamic adjustment reduces mechanical stress and prevents premature wear of the boot while maintaining secure holding and control throughout the skiing motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the binding uses a fixed toe piece to maintain the duckbill shape, then the boot is securely immobilized, but the boot sole suffers severe damage and deformation over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboot immobilizationVSAvoidboot sole integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The toe piece is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one that can pivot around a transverse axis. This allows the toe piece to maintain boot immobilization during normal skiing while reducing the mechanical stress that causes sole damage and deformation over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional telemark bindings are used with asymmetrical boots, then proper ski alignment is achieved, but the bindings are difficult to fit and require kneeling to secure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveski-boot alignmentVSAvoidbinding installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The binding system is designed to accommodate both asymmetrical telemark boots and symmetrical NTN boots through a universal mounting mechanism. The pivot axis and adjustable components allow proper ski-boot alignment for different boot types while simplifying the installation process to not require kneeling.

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

4Device complexity

If the binding lacks a release mechanism, then the结构简单化 is achieved, but releasing the boot in the event of a fall is practically impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding structureVSAvoidboot release
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated release mechanism is extracted and integrated into the binding system. This mechanism allows the boot to be easily released in the event of a fall or for maintenance, adding a safety function without significantly complicating the overall binding structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 binding reduces mechanical constraints and shoe deterioration, providing a natural and pleasant telemark experience with improved control and safety, while allowing quick and simple fitting and use.

Implementation Method 1

tensioning means (66; 266, 266') which act between the rear retaining assembly (6, 106; 206) and the ski and/or the front plate (2, 102; 202), which are adapted to ensure the tension of the shoe (8; 208) on the binding (1; 101; 201) and allow the heel (84; 284) to be freely lifted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the front immobilization assembly (3, 103; 203) is mounted floating on the front plate, around a transverse pivot axis (A3; A103; A203) located, in longitudinal view, in front of a point (32') called the support point belonging to the front assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivot rotation: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3817831B1Ski binding, specifically for telemark skis, and a ski equiped with such a binding
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 INWILD
  • EP3817831B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3817831B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3817831B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Said binding comprises a front plate (2), designed to be rigidly connected to the ski, a front assembly (3) for immobilising the boot and capable of cooperating with the sole (81) of the boot (8), a rear assembly (6) for retaining the boot and capable of cooperating with a retaining lug (85) of the rear portion of the front sole and/or with the rear sole, said rear assembly being movable relative to said front plate in the vertical plane, and tensioning means (66) which act between the rear retaining assembly (6) and the ski and/or the front plate (2) and which are capable of tensioning the boot (8) on the binding (1) and enabling the heel to be raised freely. According to the invention, the front immobilisation assembly is mounted in a floating manner on the front plate about a transverse pivot axis (A3) located, in a longitudinal direction, in front of a point (32') referred to as a supporting point and belonging to the front assembly, said supporting point enabling the front end (81') of the sole (81) of the boot to be supported, the hinged axis (A6) of the rear retaining assembly being distinct from the transverse pivot axis (A3) by being located behind said transverse pivot axis. Said floating nature makes it possible to substantially reduce the stresses exerted on the binding in accordance with the invention, as well as on the boot immobilised by said binding.