Ski Binding Heel Unit With Forward Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic heel units for ski bindings either lack stability for sporty driving or are heavy and cumbersome, failing to provide a balance between secure locking and lightweight construction.
Innovation Solution
A separate heel support structure that projects forward to engage with the ski boot in a recess, providing lateral and downward support without preventing vertical upward movement, allowing for a lighter and more compact design while maintaining secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heavy and cumbersome heel unit construction is used, then stable locking and reliability are improved, but weight increases and sporty driving performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heel unit is divided into functionally independent components: the heel hold-down device with heel hold-down structure, and the separate heel support structure with forwardly projecting heel support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the hold-down device provides secure locking while the support structure provides lateral stability with reduced weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The heel support structure projects forward in the longitudinal direction to provide lateral support through form-fitting interaction with the ski boot heel. This dimensional extension allows the support function to be achieved without increasing vertical height or lateral bulk, reducing overall weight while maintaining stability.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact heel unit design is used, then weight and space efficiency are improved, but stability for sporty driving deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heel support structure extends forward in the longitudinal dimension rather than increasing lateral or vertical dimensions. This forward projection creates form-fitting interaction with the ski boot heel area, providing lateral stability through precise geometric engagement without increasing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The heel support structure provides localized form-fitting support at the forward heel area of the ski boot. This concentrated local support is sufficient for lateral stability during sporty driving, eliminating the need for bulky universal support structures throughout the entire heel unit.
3Reliability
If the heel support structure prevents vertical upward movement, then secure locking is improved, but ease of operation and entry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heel unit separates the vertical hold-down function (heel hold-down structure) from the lateral support function (heel support structure). The heel support structure's forward projection provides lateral form-fitting support without interfering with vertical entry motion, while the heel hold-down device independently secures vertical positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the heel support structure preventing vertical movement, it is designed to allow vertical entry motion while providing lateral support through forward projection. The inversion of the support direction - supporting laterally through forward projection rather than vertically from below - enables both easy entry and secure lateral retention.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a heel unit (1) for a ski binding, comprising a base (7) for mounting the heel unit (1) on a ski and a heel retainer (3) for holding a ski boot in the heel area of the ski boot. The heel retainer (3) is movably mounted relative to the base (7). The heel unit (1) has a holding configuration in which the heel retainer (3) is in a holding position and can interact with the heel area of the ski boot held in the ski binding such that the heel area of the ski boot is held in a lowered position. Furthermore, the heel unit (1) has an entry configuration in which the heel retainer (3) is in an entry position and the heel area of the ski boot is released from the heel retainer (3).The heel unit (1) comprises a heel support structure (6) separately formed from the heel retainer (3) for supporting the heel area of the ski boot held in the ski binding in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the ski in the holding configuration of the heel unit (1).