Rolling Sole Holder for Adjustable Lateral Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski bindings lack reliable lateral release mechanisms that can adjust to varying lateral release forces, posing a safety risk during skiing and snowboarding.
Innovation Solution
A heel holder with a base plate and clamping device featuring a rolling sole holder that rotates about its axis to securely clamp the ski boot and release laterally when a defined force is exceeded, incorporating a connection structure that allows for adjustable release and a sliding plate for enhanced movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed clamping mechanism is used to secure the ski boot, then the boot is held firmly during skiing, but the binding cannot release laterally when excessive force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sole holder rotatable about its axis. The sole holder transitions from a static clamping position to a dynamic release position when lateral force exceeds the retention force. This rotational movement allows the binding to automatically adjust between secure clamping and safe release, resolving the contradiction between firm holding and lateral release capability.
2Ease of operation
If a rolling sole holder is used to reduce friction during entry, then ease of entry is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the single sole holder component: it combines the rolling function (for ease of entry) with the rotational release function (for lateral safety). The sole holder acts as both a rolling element during entry and a rotatable clamping element during operation, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the ski surface, then the structure is simplified, but the force distribution on the boot sole is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the rotation axis at an acute angle to the ski surface rather than perpendicular. This asymmetric orientation creates an optimized force distribution where the clamping force is directed more effectively onto the boot sole, improving the mechanical advantage and force application while maintaining structural feasibility.
4Reliability
If a lateral release mechanism is added to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the sole holder to automatically release laterally when the retention force is exceeded. The mechanism uses the applied lateral force itself to trigger the rotation and release, without requiring external sensors, actuators, or complex control systems. This self-actuating feature provides safety while minimizing added complexity.
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 provides a safe and adjustable lateral release mechanism that reduces friction and ensures reliable release of the ski boot, enhancing safety and ease of use by accommodating varying forces and surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The rolling body has a rotationally symmetrical shape, e.g. the shape of a roller, barrel, disk, sphere or partial sphere... reduces friction and ensures reliable release of the ski boot
Data Source
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AI summary
Heel holder for a ski binding comprising a base plate (2) with which the heel holder (1) can be attached to the top of a ski or snowboard, a connecting structure (3) that can be connected to the base plate (2), a tensioning device (4) with which a ski boot is tensioned onto the ski, wherein the connecting structure (3) comprises a first connecting structure part (3a) and a second connecting structure part (3b), and the first connecting structure part (3a) is movable relative to the second connecting structure part (3b) in the direction of lateral release when the ski binding is released laterally, and the tensioning device (4) comprises a sole holder (5) that, in direct contact with a ski boot sole, tensions a ski boot towards the ski or snowboard, characterized in that the sole holder (5) is formed as a rolling element (5a, 5b) with an axis of rotation (A1, A2) and is connected to the tensioning device (4) in such a way thatthat the sole holder (5) is rotatable about its axis of rotation (A1, A2).