Pivoting Snowboard Binding With Swivel Plate Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowboard binding designs lack a pivoting element that allows for adjustable positioning of the foot on the snowboard, particularly failing to provide a mechanism for the front foot to face forward, which affects user comfort and efficiency during movement.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting snowboard boot binding with a locking mechanism that includes a swivel plate capable of rotating between 45 to 90 degrees, allowing the foot to pivot and lock into a desired position, enhancing user comfort and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed snowboard binding is used, then the binding structure is simple and stable, but the user cannot adjust the foot position to face forward, reducing comfort and mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a rotatable swivel plate mechanism that allows the binding to transition between fixed and rotated positions. The swivel plate can be rotated to different angles (e.g., 45 degrees) and locked in place, enabling the foot to face forward rather than sideways. This dynamic adjustment capability directly addresses the adaptability need while maintaining structural simplicity through a single rotating component rather than multiple adjustable parts.
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable binding mechanism is added, then the user can adjust foot position for comfort, but the binding structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the binding into distinct functional components: a base plate attached to the snowboard, a rotatable swivel plate, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the base plate provides stability, the swivel plate enables rotation, and the locking mechanism secures the position. This modular approach simplifies the overall design while achieving the desired operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel plate acts as an intermediary element between the fixed snowboard base and the movable binding. It mediates the transition from a fixed to a rotated position, allowing the binding to pivot relative to the snowboard while maintaining secure attachment. This intermediary component enables the rotation function without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire binding system.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented, then the binding can be secured in a predetermined position, but the mechanism becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through a spring-loaded locking mechanism that automatically engages and disengages. The spring provides the necessary force to secure the binding in the rotated position without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. When the swivel plate is rotated, the spring automatically locks it in place; to unlock, the user simply applies force to overcome the spring pressure. This self-servicing mechanism achieves reliable positioning while minimizing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pivoting snowboard boot binding including a snowboard assembly, a binding assembly, and a locking mechanism assembly. The snowboard assembly includes a snowboard. The binding assembly includes bindings. The locking mechanism assembly connects said bindings with said snowboard. The locking mechanism assembly has a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The bindings can rotate with respect to the snowboard to look forward in the unlocked configuration. The bindings are locked in a predetermined position with the snowboard in the locked configuration.