Magnetic Footwear Coupling Assembly for Ski Bindings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical binding systems for footwear and sport equipment, such as skis and snowboards, are complex and require manual operation for both binding and releasing, which can be cumbersome and unsafe in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly utilizing magnetic elements, specifically electromagnets, is integrated into the footwear and sport equipment binding, allowing for quick and secure attachment and detachment through an electronic control interface, including a proximity sensor and power management system, enabling wireless control via a bracelet or similar device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical binding systems with interlocks and springs are used, then stable binding is achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires manual operation for binding and releasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical binding mechanisms (interlocks, springs, ratchets) with a magnetic coupling system. Electromagnets mounted on the sport equipment interact with ferromagnetic elements in the footwear to create secure attachment, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while maintaining binding stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental binding parameter from mechanical interlocking to magnetic attraction. By controlling the magnetic field strength through electromagnet activation, the system achieves reliable binding without the structural complexity of mechanical safety mechanisms.
2Reliability
If mechanical bindings with safety release mechanisms are used, then user safety is protected, but manual operation becomes cumbersome and slow in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical release operations with electronic control of electromagnets. A microprocessor-controlled system can rapidly deactivate the magnetic field to release the footwear, or activate emergency release through wireless communication, dramatically reducing response time compared to manual mechanical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic binding capability where the footwear is automatically attracted to and bound with the sport equipment when the electromagnets are activated, eliminating the need for manual binding operations entirely.
3Ease of operation
If electromagnets are used for automatic binding, then manual operation is eliminated, but power consumption increases and requires battery integration in the footwear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed electromagnetic activation rather than continuous operation. The electromagnets are activated only when binding is required or during specific phases of use, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining automatic binding capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the magnetic binding system into multiple independent electromagnets distributed across the sport equipment. This segmentation allows selective activation of only the necessary magnetic elements, optimizing power usage while maintaining effective binding.
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
Enables rapid, safe, and automatic binding and release of footwear to sport equipment without manual effort, enhancing user safety and convenience by using magnetic interactions and electronic control for efficient power management and positioning verification.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first metallic element (21) inserted in said footwear (2), and a binding (3) for the insertion of said footwear (2) into the sport equipment, provided with at least one second metallic element (31), wherein at least one of the first (21) or second (31) metallic elements is an electromagnet, which when activated is magnetically bound to the other element (31 or 21)
Implementation Method 2
the positioning of the first metallic element on the footwear and the second metallic element in the binding is such that it places the two metallic elements at a minimum distance, substantially in contact, when the footwear is placed on the binding, so as to allow the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic metallic element to interact in an optimal way on the other
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Coupling assembly between a footwear (2) and a sport equipment comprising at least one housing on said footwear near the sole suitable for receiving a first metallic element (21), a binding (3), on said sport equipment, provided with a seat for the insertion of said footwear, said binding being equipped with at least a second metallic element (31) positioned in said seat. Alternatively, the first (21) or the second (31) metal element being an electromagnet, which when activated is magnetically bound to the other element (31,21).