Gliding Board Front Retaining Devices for Ascent and Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski touring bindings fail to optimize both ascent and descent phases, often being heavy, complex, or inefficient, with issues such as weight, kinematic constraints, and ergonomic concerns during the ascent phase, and risk of injury or mechanical failure during the descent.
Innovation Solution
A gliding apparatus with interchangeable and compact front retaining devices, featuring a first mechanism for ascent and a second mechanism for descent, where the second mechanism is configurable to maintain an active or inactive state, allowing for intuitive and ergonomic switching between ascent and descent modes without hindering boot rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a binding designed for descent is adapted for both ascent and descent phases, then the same retaining devices can be used for both phases, but the retaining devices become relatively heavy for the ascent phase
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system is divided into two separate front retaining devices: a first device (toe piece) dedicated to ascent phase with light weight and articulation axis functionality, and a second device (sole clamp) dedicated to descent phase with clamping functionality. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific phase without carrying unnecessary weight or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two configurations by folding the descent toe-piece (sole clamp) beneath the boot during ascent phase, and deploying it during descent phase. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the binding to adapt its weight and functionality based on the operational phase.
2Ease of operation
If a boot front retaining device is designed for ascent phase with articulation axis, then the boot can rotate during ascent, but the device becomes complex and heavy for descent phase
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system separates the articulation axis functionality (first toe piece) from the descent-phase retaining functionality (second sole clamp). The first device provides simple articulation for ascent without complex mechanisms, while the second device provides robust clamping for descent when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The descent toe-piece (sole clamp) is designed to be foldable and retractable beneath the boot during ascent phase, becoming inactive and out of the way. During descent phase, it is deployed to provide the necessary retention. This dynamic positioning keeps the system simple during ascent while providing complexity only when needed for descent.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate toe-pieces are used for ascent and descent, then each can be optimized for its phase, but the descent toe-piece must be housed beneath the boot during ascent requiring boot elevation
Solution Approach 1:
The descent toe-piece (sole clamp) is designed to nest beneath the boot during ascent phase, stored in a compact position that does not interfere with boot rotation or skier stability. The folding mechanism allows it to be tucked away cleanly under the boot, maintaining a low profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The sole clamp transitions from a retracted position beneath the boot during ascent to a deployed position during descent. This dynamic positioning ensures that during ascent the device does not elevate the boot or hinder rotation, while during descent it provides the necessary retention structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a configurable front retaining device with lever mechanism is used, then ascent and descent toe-pieces can be alternatively activated, but the mechanism becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a complex lever mechanism to activate one toe-piece while retracting the other, the invention segments the system into two independently functional devices. Each toe-piece is designed to function independently in its designated phase, eliminating the need for complex activation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching between ascent and descent configurations is achieved through simple folding and deployment movements of the sole clamp, rather than complex lever mechanisms. The descent toe-piece folds beneath the boot for ascent and deploys for descent, providing a mechanically simple transition.
5Ease of operation
If the ascent toe-piece arms move longitudinally and transversely to form articulation axis, then boot rotation is enabled, but the device becomes bulky and aesthetically unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation axis functionality is dedicated to the first toe-piece, which is optimized for ascent phase with its arms positioned to provide the necessary rotation. The second sole clamp is designed to be out of the way during ascent, eliminating the bulk that would result from having both devices fully functional simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The second toe-piece (sole clamp) dynamically repositions itself from an active clamping position during descent to a retracted position beneath the boot during ascent. This ensures that only the necessary components are active and visible at any given time, reducing overall bulk and improving aesthetics.
6Adaptability or versatility
If the descent toe-piece extends vertically when inactive, then it is ready for descent, but it hinders boot rotation during ascent phase
Solution Approach 1:
The descent toe-piece (sole clamp) is designed to be foldable and retractable beneath the boot during ascent phase, becoming inactive and out of the way. During descent phase, it is deployed to provide the necessary retention. This dynamic positioning ensures it does not hinder boot rotation during ascent while remaining ready for descent.
Solution Approach 2:
The inactive descent toe-piece nests beneath the boot rather than extending vertically, allowing full boot rotation during ascent. The folding mechanism enables it to be stored in a compact position that does not interfere with boot kinematics while maintaining readiness for quick deployment during descent.
Data Source
AI summary
A gliding apparatus includes a gliding board, a first front boot-retaining device for ascending a slope and a second front boot-retaining device for the descent. The first front retaining device comprises a first boot-fastening mechanism, defining a boot pivot axis during the ascent. The second front retaining device comprises a second boot-fastening mechanism, including a movable element incorporating an interface surface capable of contacting a front portion of the boot, the movable element being separate from the first fastening mechanism. The second front retaining device is configurable in a first “inactive” configuration for which the interface surface is away from the boot front portion, and a second “active” configuration for which the interface surface contacts the boot front portion. The first boot-fastening mechanism is capable of cooperating with the movable element of the second front retaining device so as to maintain the second front retaining device in its active configuration.