Pivoting Snowboard Binding Sidewalls for Foot Freedom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid sidewalls in snowboard bindings restrict foot movement, making the bindings less comfortable and limiting the ability to perform certain maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating medial and lateral side portions that can pivot about an axis oriented along the heel-to-toe direction, allowing for greater freedom of movement while being resiliently biased to return to an upright position, with optional locking features to limit extreme movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid sidewalls are used in the binding, then structural support and foot positioning are improved, but foot movement freedom and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The binding sidewall is divided into multiple segments: rigid portions for structural support and movable portions for foot movement. The movable sidewall portions can pivot about axes extending in the heel-toe direction, allowing the binding to adapt to different foot positions while maintaining overall structural integrity through the rigid portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sidewall structure transitions from a completely rigid configuration to a dynamic structure with movable portions that can pivot. This allows the binding to provide structural support when needed while enabling foot movement freedom when required, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid sidewalls are used to keep the foot in position, then foot positioning accuracy is improved, but comfort and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall is segmented into rigid portions that maintain foot positioning accuracy and movable portions that enable maneuverability. The movable portions can pivot to accommodate foot movement during maneuvers while the rigid portions ensure the foot remains properly positioned during normal riding.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding structure changes its geometric parameters dynamically. The movable sidewall portions can change their angular position relative to the rigid portions, allowing the binding to adapt to different foot angles and positions. This parameter change enables both precise foot positioning and maneuverability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the binding prevents boot roll, then stability is improved, but comfort and natural movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall structure is dynamic rather than static. The movable portions can pivot to allow natural foot movement and rolling motions, while the rigid portions provide stability and prevent excessive boot roll. This dynamic structure resolves the contradiction between stability and natural movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The stability function is segmented between rigid portions that prevent excessive boot roll and movable portions that allow natural foot movement. This segmentation enables the binding to provide appropriate stability while maintaining comfort and natural movement capabilities.
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
Enhances comfort and enables previously impossible maneuvers by allowing more natural foot movement while providing resilient support, with adjustable flexibility to suit different riding styles.
Implementation Method 1
the medial and/or lateral portions may be resiliently biased to return to an initial position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
A binding with a medial and/or lateral side portion attached to a binding base and that can pivot or otherwise move about an axis that is generally along a heel-to-toe direction or the binding base. The medial and/or lateral side portions can form part of the binding sidewall and permit a rider to more freely move her feet in medial and/or lateral directions. One or more foot straps may engage with the medial and/or lateral side portions to secure a foot to the binding.