Pivoting Ski Binding Heel Clip for Uphill Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski bindings for ski touring present safety risks in downhill configurations, are complex and user-unfriendly, and hinder uphill movement due to rear support elements.
Innovation Solution
A ski binding with a front and rear boot support element that allows the ski boot to pivot into a climbing position and be securely fastened in a downhill position using a locking mechanism that activates only when in the downhill position, featuring a movable boot pedal and a brake locking system for automatic engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a ski shoe has a rigid connection between the toe pedal and heel hold down, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to adapt to different skiing styles and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ski shoe binding is divided into separate functional components: a toe pedal assembly and a heel hold down assembly, connected by a linkage mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the toe pedal can be rigid for strength while the heel hold down can pivot for adaptability, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and adaptability to different skiing styles.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism incorporates a pivoting connection between the toe pedal and heel hold down, transforming the static rigid connection into a dynamic adjustable system. This allows the binding to adapt its geometry and force distribution based on skiing conditions and style, while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the rigid toe pedal portion.
2Manufacturing precision
If a ski shoe has a fixed geometry binding, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to provide customized fit and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The binding employs a pivoting heel hold down connected to the toe pedal via a linkage, allowing the geometry to dynamically adjust to different boot shapes and skiing preferences. This maintains manufacturing precision for the base components while enabling customization through the adjustable pivot points and linkage geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding design allows the skier to adjust the heel hold down position and angle to match their own boot characteristics and skiing style, enabling self-customization without requiring precision-manufactured custom bindings for each individual. The adjustable mechanism serves itself to adapt to different users.
3Ease of operation
If a ski shoe uses a traditional lifting entry system, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical lifting entry system is replaced with a step-in pedal mechanism where the skier simply steps forward to engage the binding. This substitution eliminates complex lifting mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation, and significantly improves time efficiency by allowing rapid entry without manual adjustment or lifting actions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a ski shoe has separate adjustability for toe pedal and heel hold down, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toe pedal and heel hold down are merged into a single integrated binding system where adjustment of one component automatically coordinates with the other through the linkage mechanism. This merging provides independent adjustability for both components while avoiding the complexity of entirely separate adjustment systems, as the components work together through the mechanical linkage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a ski boot rear retaining element comprising a heel clip (11), a lever (6), and a boot accepting pedal (7), characterized in that the boot accepting pedal (7) can move relative to the heel clip (11).