Ski Binding Heel Holder Dynamics for Compact Walking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic heel units for ski bindings are bulky and not compact in design, especially in their walking configuration, which affects the comfort and functionality of skiing, particularly in snowy conditions where space and mobility are crucial.
Innovation Solution
The heel holder of the automatic heel unit is positioned further back in its walking position than in its holding position, allowing it to move along a unique adjustment path that includes a separate area for enhanced compactness and ease of operation, enabling the ski boot to be released and lowered towards the ski without being locked, thus optimizing space and reducing snow penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the heel holder is positioned further back in walking position, then compactness and reduced snow penetration are improved, but the complexity of the adjustment path mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heel holder is designed to be movable along a predefined adjustment path rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between holding and walking configurations. This dynamic positioning enables compact design in walking mode while maintaining secure holding capability, resolving the contradiction between compactness and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment path is designed as a three-dimensional trajectory that combines longitudinal movement (forward/backward) with vertical movement (up/down). By utilizing multiple spatial dimensions, the heel holder achieves compact repositioning without requiring complex mechanical structures, as the movement follows a predetermined spatial curve rather than simple linear translation.
2Ease of operation
If the heel holder moves along a separate adjustment path area, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment path is segmented into distinct areas: a first area for normal adjustment operations and a separate second area for specific functions such as safety release or quick transitions. This segmentation allows simple, intuitive operations for common tasks while providing dedicated pathways for specialized functions, improving ease of operation without requiring the entire mechanism to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment path itself acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies operation. Rather than requiring direct manipulation of multiple mechanical components, the user interacts with the heel holder which automatically follows the predefined path, translating simple user input into complex coordinated movements through the adjustment mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the heel holder is positioned further back in walking position, then snow penetration is reduced, but the holding security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heel holder's position is dynamically optimized for each configuration: in holding configuration, it positions forward to maximize security; in walking configuration, it positions backward to minimize snow accumulation. The system adapts its geometry to functional requirements, ensuring both holding security and reduced snow penetration are achieved at appropriate times.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the adjustment path provide different functional qualities: the forward position offers maximum holding security with the heel holder engaged, while the backward position offers snow resistance with the heel holder disengaged. The system exploits local quality variations along the adjustment path to optimize performance for each operational mode.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to a heel fitting (1) for a ski binding, in particular a touring ski binding, comprising a heel retainer (4) for holding a ski boot in a heel area of the ski boot and a heel retainer support (3) on which the heel retainer (4) is movably mounted along an adjustment path relative to the heel retainer support (3). The heel fitting (1) has a holding configuration in which the heel retainer (4) is in a holding position and the heel retainer (4) can interact with the heel area of the ski boot held in the ski binding in such a way that the heel area of the ski boot is held in a lowered position.The heel piece (1) further features a walking configuration in which the heel holder (4) is in a walking position and the heel area of the ski boot held in the ski binding is released by the heel holder and can be lowered towards the ski without being locked in the lowered position by the heel holder. In its walking position, the heel holder (4) is located further back than in its holding position and can be moved from its walking position to its holding position and back along a first range of adjustment. Starting from its walking position, the heel holder (4) can be moved beyond its holding position, upwards from the first range of adjustment into a second range of adjustment, separate from and adjoining the first range of adjustment, and back again.