Magnetic Quick-Release Ski Pole Strap Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ski pole straps do not allow for quick and efficient uncoupling and re-coupling, which is critical in biathlon skiing where seconds count, as they require manual removal and reattachment, hindering performance during shooting phases.
Innovation Solution
A novel handle assembly with a quick release strap system featuring a locking base, movable slide, unlock lever, and pin mechanism, utilizing soft ferromagnetic material and permanent magnets for secure and rapid uncoupling and re-coupling, allowing single-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional strap permanently fixed to the handle is used, then the strap remains securely attached during skiing, but the skier cannot quickly release and reattach the hand to the ski pole
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system is divided into separable components: a strap with a pin and a handle with a locking base. The pin can be quickly inserted into and removed from the locking base, allowing the strap to be rapidly attached or detached while maintaining secure connection during use. This segmentation enables both quick operation and reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking base is pre-configured with a cavity and beam structure that guides the pin into place during insertion. The slide mechanism is pre-positioned to automatically engage with the pin, and the spring is pre-compressed to provide immediate locking force. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid, intuitive attachment without complex manipulation.
2Productivity
If manual removal and reattachment of traditional straps is required, then the strap can be adjusted, but considerable time is lost which is critical in biathlon skiing
Solution Approach 1:
The manual manipulation of traditional straps is replaced by a magnetic coupling system. The permanent magnet in the locking base and ferromagnetic material in the pin create automatic attraction and alignment, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning and reducing the time and effort required for attachment and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically engages the pin with the locking base upon insertion and maintains continuous pressure to ensure secure connection. The system self-regulates the attachment force and position, requiring minimal user intervention and enabling rapid operation during competition.
3Ease of operation
If a quick release mechanism with multiple components is implemented, then rapid uncoupling is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are combined into integrated components: the locking base incorporates both the magnetic coupling mechanism and the spring-loaded locking system; the slide serves as both a guide for the pin and a lever for the user's thumb; the unlock lever integrates the release mechanism with the slide movement. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining rapid uncoupling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide component serves multiple purposes: it guides the pin during insertion, provides a surface for the unlock lever to act upon, and moves in response to thumb pressure to trigger the release mechanism. The permanent magnet both attracts the pin for automatic alignment and provides the holding force for secure attachment. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
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 and secure uncoupling and re-coupling of the strap from/to the ski pole handle, reducing time delays and enhancing performance in biathlon skiing by allowing quick hand release for shooting and reattachment during the skiing phase.
Implementation Method 1
one or more permanent magnet(s) of hard ferromagnetic material(s) for co-action with the widening of soft ferromagnetic material
Data Source
AI summary
The novel construction relates a combination of a handle (10) and a strap (9) of a ski pole (13), said strap adapted to be between a hand (12) of a person and said handle, and said combination allowing a quick uncoupling/re-coupling of said strap (9) with said hand (12) from/to said ski pole handle (10). Said handle comprising a handle body (1) fixed on said ski pole, a locking base (5) fixed in said body, a slide (2) movable in respect to said body and locking base, and an unlock lever (3) communicating with said slide while shifted in respect to said body; and a pin (4) having a first end with a widening (14) and a second end fixing said pin to said strap (9) in a predetermined area (A) thereof. Said strap is shaped to enclose by contact and extend around a palm (12a) and a wrist (12b) and between a thumb (12c) and a forefinger (12d) of the hand by tightening. Said predetermined area (A) of the strap is centrally within said strap, between the thumb and the forefinger. Said widening (14) of the pin (1) is of a soft ferromagnetic material. Said handle comprises permanent magnet(s) of hard ferromagnetic material(s) for co-action with said widening, and a cavity respective the size of said widening in said locking base, and a transverse groove opening to outside of the slide.