Magnetic Ski Binding Lever for Consistent Calf Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ski bindings with levers that rest on the skier's calf often fail to maintain constant contact, leading to reduced efficiency in transmitting leg movements to the ski and causing muscle fatigue and discomfort due to the required force to keep the lever in place.

Innovation Solution

A ski binding system with magnetic connection means between the lever and a wearable element on the skier's leg, such as a boot, using magnets to ensure constant contact and transmission of leg movements without the need for additional thrusting mechanisms, allowing for flexible footwear use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spring systems are used to keep the lever in contact with the skier's calf, then the lever maintains contact during skiing, but the force required causes muscle fatigue and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelever contact maintenanceVSAvoidmuscle fatigue and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical spring system with a magnetic field-based connection system. Magnets embedded in the lever and corresponding ferromagnetic materials in the wearable element create magnetic attraction forces that hold the lever against the calf without requiring mechanical thrusting components, thereby eliminating muscle fatigue while maintaining reliable contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of force application from mechanical spring force to magnetic field force. By using magnetic fields instead of mechanical springs, the system achieves the same contact maintenance function with significantly reduced force requirements, eliminating the harmful effects of excessive force on the skier's calf muscles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the load of the spring system is increased to ensure lever contact, then the lever constantly rests on the calf, but the efficiency of movement transmission is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelever contact consistencyVSAvoidmovement transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field system replaces the spring mechanism, providing consistent lever contact through magnetic attraction without the need for high spring loads. This substitution maintains reliable contact while preserving movement transmission efficiency because magnetic forces can be precisely controlled and do not create the same mechanical interference as loaded springs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a lever system is used to transmit leg movements to the ski, then footwear with non-rigid structure can be used, but the lever may not constantly rest on the calf

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefootwear flexibilityVSAvoidlever contact guarantee

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic connection system replaces the mechanical spring system, providing more reliable and consistent lever contact with the calf. Magnetic fields provide continuous attractive force that ensures the lever remains in contact with the wearable element regardless of footwear rigidity, thereby guaranteeing reliable contact while maintaining footwear versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If magnetic connection means are used between the lever and wearable element, then constant contact is ensured without additional thrusting mechanisms, but magnetic materials must be integrated into the design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrusting mechanism eliminationVSAvoidmagnetic material integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical thrusting mechanisms with a magnetic field-based connection system. Magnets are integrated into the lever and corresponding ferromagnetic materials into the wearable element, eliminating the need for separate thrusting components while ensuring constant lever contact. The magnetic materials can be integrated during manufacturing processes, and the overall system complexity is reduced compared to mechanical spring systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 magnetic connection maintains efficient leg movement transmission and reduces muscle fatigue by ensuring the lever remains in contact with the skier's calf, enhancing comfort and usability during prolonged use.

Implementation Method 1

said binding comprises magnetic connection means suited to allow contact to take place between said lever and at least one element suited to be worn on said leg of said skier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic connection: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4452429B1Ski binding comprising mechanical connection means to a footweat and a lever with magnetic connection means to a wearable element placed on the calf; wearable element with magnet; ski with such a binding

Publication Date: 2026.01.14 BACK TO FUTURE SRL

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AI summary

The present invention concerns a ski binding (10) suited to be connected to a ski (1). The ski binding (10) comprises connection means (12) for connection to a footwear item (100) worn by a skier, and a lever (70) cooperating with the calf of the skier. The lever (70) transmits the movements of the skier's leg towards the ski (1). The ski binding (10) comprises magnetic connection means (80) suited to allow contact to take place between the lever (70) and at least one wearable element (100) suited to be worn on the leg of the skier.