Modular Snow Travel System with Releasable Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing footing on slippery surfaces, such as cleated overboots and snowdecks, lack the ability to provide both secure traction and easy attachment/detachment for quick transitions between different conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular snow travel system featuring a traction component with releasable locking mechanism, allowing the cleats to securely attach to both footwear and a snowdeck for enhanced traction, with a novel heel structure to prevent damage and facilitate easy engagement/disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleated overboots are used to provide traction on slippery surfaces, then secure footing is improved, but the ability to quickly transition between smooth and deep snow conditions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the traction function into two separable components: a cleated overboot for smooth surfaces and a snowdeck for deep snow. The overboot can be detached from the snowdeck, allowing the user to switch between traction types based on conditions. This segmentation enables reliable traction on smooth surfaces while allowing quick transition to deep snow conditions by removing the overboot.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed traction configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The releasable locking mechanism allows the overboot to be securely attached to the snowdeck for deep snow conditions, then quickly detached for smooth surfaces. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the user to adapt to changing snow conditions, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a snowdeck is attached to footwear for deep snow stability, then stability in deep snow is improved, but the ability to provide traction on smooth surfaces is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the stability function (snowdeck) from the traction function (cleated overboot). The snowdeck provides stability in deep snow, while the cleated overboot provides traction on smooth surfaces. By making the attachment releasable, the user can remove the overboot when stability is needed and attach it when traction is needed, resolving the contradiction between the two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The snowdeck serves multiple functions: it provides stability in deep snow when the overboot is attached, and it serves as a base for the overboot on smooth surfaces. The releasable locking mechanism enables the snowdeck to be used independently for stability or combined with the overboot for traction, making the system universally applicable to different conditions.
3Reliability
If cleats are made prominent for traction, then traction capability is improved, but the risk of damaging the snowdeck is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the cleats and the snowdeck. When engaged, it securely holds the cleats in place to provide reliable traction. When disengaged, it allows the cleats to be removed without damaging the snowdeck. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling traction capability while protecting the snowdeck from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static attachment where cleats are permanently fixed (risking damage) to a dynamic attachment where cleats can be securely engaged and easily released. The movable locking mechanism allows the cleats to be held firmly during use but quickly removed when not needed, preventing damage to the snowdeck while maintaining traction capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular snow travel system for common footwear includes a first traction component which may be an overboot. The first traction component includes at least one traction cleat having latch, such as an exposed hook portion, for engagement with a snowdeck. The engagement is effected by a releasable locking mechanism on the snowdeck. The releasable locking mechanism includes a transversely movable slider and a longitudinally movable slider having contacting cam faces. The lateral position of the transverse slider determines the longitudinal position of the longitudinal slider so that the longitudinal slider could be moved longitudinally to and from a position where a catch on the longitudinal slider is engaged in the hook portion or is disengaged from the latch of the traction cleat.