Removable Elastic Return Element for Nordic Ski Boots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Nordic ski boot connecting devices with elastically deformable elements wear out quickly, posing reliability and maintenance issues, especially in competitive equipment, as these elements are not easily replaceable.

Innovation Solution

A Nordic ski boot with a connecting device featuring a removable support element for the elastic return mechanism, allowing for interchangeable elastically deformable elements that can be secured to the sole, providing adjustable hardness, stiffness, and geometry based on skiing conditions and type of binding used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastically deformable elements are integrated into the connecting device, then the boot can be dynamically recovered vertically, but these elements wear out quickly and cannot be replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of elastic elementsVSAvoidreplaceability of elastic elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the connecting device into separable components: the elastic element is made as an independent replaceable part that can be detached from the support structure. This segmentation allows the elastic element to be replaced without replacing the entire connecting device, resolving the contradiction between durability and replaceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element is extracted from the integrated connecting device structure and made into a separate, removable component. This extraction enables the elastic element to be independently replaced when worn, while the main connecting device structure remains intact and reusable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If elastically deformable elements are made from flexible elastomer material, then vertical dynamic recovery is achieved, but frequent replacement is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic recovery functionVSAvoidservice life of elastic elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables changing the properties of the elastic element by allowing replacement with different elastomer materials having varying hardness, elasticity, and durability parameters. This parameter change capability allows optimization of both the dynamic recovery function and service life based on specific usage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the connecting device is fixed to the shoe sole, then stable connection is provided, but modification and replacement of components becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidcustomizability of elastic elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic, adjustable aspect to the previously fixed connecting device. The elastic element is designed to be replaceable, allowing the system to adapt to different conditions and requirements while maintaining stable connection during use. This creates a dynamic system that can be customized for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enables easy replacement and customization of elastic return elements, enhancing dynamic performance and adaptability to different skiing practices, improving the boot's durability and compatibility with various bindings.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastically deformable element for the vertical return of the said shoe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3479717B1Improved nordic ski boots
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 ROSSIGNOL LANGE SRL
  • EP3479717B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3479717B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3479717B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

The invention relates to: - a Nordic ski boot comprising a sole (R) and a device ensuring the connection with a ski binding (F), said connection device being provided, on the one hand, with a transverse axis (X) mounted on the front part of said boot and intended to cooperate with a fastening element (P) carried by the binding (F) by allowing the pivoting of the boot and, on the other hand, with at least one elastically deformable element (1) for vertical return of said boot, characterized in that said elastically deformable element (1) is mounted in a removable manner relative to said sole (R) by being carried by a support element (2) integral with the sole (R) and, - an elastic return device for said boot.