Pivoting Snowboard Binding for Natural Foot Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowboard bindings provide a stiff connection between the boot and the snowboard, making it uncomfortable to ride and limiting the rider's ability to perform tricks or ride in deep powder snow with ease.
Innovation Solution
A snowboard binding with a boot anchor element that is pivotably arranged with respect to the snowboard anchor plate and the body of the snowboard, featuring at least one pivot mechanism that allows tilting and rotational movement of the boot anchor element, enabling comfortable tilting of the rider's feet and improved freedom of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stiff connection is provided between the boot and the snowboard, then control precision is improved, but riding comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system transitions from a static stiff connection to a dynamic pivoting connection. The boot anchor plate is connected to the snowboard anchor plate through a pivot mechanism that allows rotational movement, enabling the binding to adapt to rider movements while maintaining control. The pivot point is positioned to provide natural rotation that enhances both control precision and riding comfort.
2Ease of operation
If a pivot mechanism is added to allow foot tilting, then riding comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system is segmented into distinct functional components: a boot anchor plate, a snowboard anchor plate, and a pivot mechanism connecting them. This segmentation allows the pivot mechanism to be integrated as a separate, manageable element rather than complicating the entire binding structure. The modular design maintains simplicity while enabling the desired pivoting functionality.
3Device complexity
If the pivot is positioned on the side of the foot, then device simplicity is maintained, but natural rotation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism is positioned asymmetrically relative to traditional side-mounted pivots. Instead of being located on the outer side of the foot, the pivot point is positioned to align with the natural rotation axis of the foot and ankle, creating a more ergonomic and natural rotation path that improves comfort while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Device complexity
If a normal snowboard configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but freedom of movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system maintains compatibility with standard snowboard configurations while adding pivoting functionality. The snowboard anchor plate can be attached to conventional snowboards using existing mounting systems, making the enhanced freedom of movement accessible without requiring specialized equipment. This multi-functionality allows the same binding to work on both traditional and modern snowboard setups.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a snowboard binding (1) comprising a snowboard anchor element (2) and a boot anchor element (3); at least one pivot mechanism (4) pivotally coupling the snowboard anchor element (2) and the boot anchor element (3) to allow pivoting of the boot anchor element (3) with respect to the snowboard anchor element (2). It also concerns a snowboard adapted for this binding.