Removable Ski Boot Wedge with Embedded Fabric Adhesive
Solution Overview
Problem
Ski mountaineering boots require adjustable foot support to enhance thrust during sports, but existing solutions like plastic wedges increase weight and production costs, and fail due to fatigue cracking or inadequate adhesion.
Innovation Solution
A removable wedge for ski boots made of injection-molded plastic with embedded fabric and adhesive, providing a stable and lightweight adjustment to the foot support surface without permanent fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If plastic wedges are firmly fixed on the bottom of the foot-casing to increase foot support slope, then the thrust transmission during ski mountaineering is improved, but the weight and production cost of the boot increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin plastic plate (lamina) with a thickness of only a few millimeters to provide the necessary wedge effect. This thin-film approach maintains the thrust transmission function while minimizing the added weight compared to traditional bulk plastic wedges
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the wedge by using a thin plate with specific angular inclination (a few degrees) to achieve the desired thrust transmission. The optimized parameters allow effective force transfer with minimal material usage and weight
2Reliability
If anchoring screws are used to fix the wedge in position, then the wedge is securely attached, but fatigue cracking occurs in the wedge over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the anchoring screws from the system entirely, replacing them with an adhesive bonding solution. This extraction of the mechanical fastening element eliminates the stress concentration points that caused fatigue cracking while maintaining secure attachment through chemical bonding
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces adhesive as an intermediary substance between the wedge and the foot-casing bottom. This adhesive layer provides a distributed bonding interface that avoids the localized stress concentrations caused by screw holes, preventing fatigue cracking while ensuring reliable attachment
3Ease of manufacture
If double-sided tape is used to attach the wedge, then the attachment process is simple, but the adhesion capacity is insufficient over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adhesive parameters by selecting materials with higher bonding strength and appropriate viscosity for the application. The adhesive is formulated to create a strong, durable bond that exceeds the performance of double-sided tape while maintaining ease of application
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite approach by combining the plastic wedge material with a specifically selected adhesive material that has complementary properties. The adhesive is chosen to chemically or physically bond strongly with both the plastic wedge and the foot-casing bottom, creating a reliable multi-material attachment system
4Reliability
If glues are used to fix the wedge, then the adhesion is strong, but the wedge becomes unremovable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic attachment system where the bond strength can be controlled. The adhesive is selected and applied in such a way that it provides strong holding force during normal use but allows for deliberate removal when needed, enabling the system to transition between fixed and removable states as required
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 allows for adjustable foot support without increasing the boot's weight or production costs, ensuring long-term adhesion and preventing fatigue cracking, while maintaining the boot's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a piece of fabric 3 which is embedded in said platelike rigid body 2 so as to emerge over its lower face, and is provided, on the part that emerges outside of said rigid body, with an adhesive layer 4 capable of adhering to the bottom of the foot-casing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A removable wedge (1) for ski boots, which is adapted to be fixed in a movable manner inside a ski boot (100), resting on the bottom (120) of the foot-casing (101) of the ski boot (100), and is characterised in that it comprises: a platelike rigid body (2) made of plastic material; and a piece of fabric (3) which is embedded in the platelike rigid body (2) in order to emerge over the lower face of the platelike rigid body (2), and additionally has an adhesive layer (4) on the part that emerges outside of said platelike rigid body (2); the platelike rigid body (2) being injection-moulded directly over said piece of fabric (3).