Rotatable Ski Binding Front Holder for Predictable Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gliding board bindings have complex and unpredictable release mechanisms due to separate front and rear holding devices, leading to early release and false triggering during sporty maneuvers, which complicates reliable release behavior.

Innovation Solution

A gliding board binding with a rotatably mounted front holding device that shares a common vertical axis of rotation with the gliding board shoe, allowing controlled release primarily through the rear holding device's Mz release mechanism, and optionally featuring a tensioning device and rotation limiting means for enhanced safety and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate front and rear holding devices with different triggering mechanisms are used, then the binding can hold the shoe securely in various positions, but the release behavior becomes unpredictable and prone to early release

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease behavior predictabilityVSAvoidholding device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the front holding device and rear holding device into a single integrated holding device that can function in multiple modes. The unified structure features a common base with integrated front and rear support elements, sharing common triggering mechanisms and adjustment devices, thereby eliminating the complexity of separate devices while maintaining secure holding capability and predictable release behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can operate in different configurations: it can hold the shoe in downhill position with both front and rear support engaged, or in walking position with only front support engaged while allowing rear heel freedom. The single device incorporates multiple functions through adjustable elements and movable components that adapt to different skiing modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If release threshold values are set to lower values to ensure reliable release, then the binding releases in the event of a fall, but false triggering occurs during sporty maneuvers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease reliabilityVSAvoidfalse triggering
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adjustable release threshold parameters through an integration adjustment device that allows users to modify the Mz binding release torque according to their weight and riding style. This parameter adjustability enables optimization of the release characteristics to match different user requirements and skiing conditions, preventing false triggering while ensuring reliable release when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device incorporates dynamic elements including a movable rear support element that can shift position, and a tensioning device that dynamically adjusts the pretension force on the shoe. These dynamic features allow the binding to adapt its holding characteristics during operation, providing stable holding during sporty maneuvers while maintaining readiness for safe release in fall situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2431080B1Glide board binding, in particular touring ski binding
Publication Date: 2014.03.26 SALEWA SPORT
  • EP2431080B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2431080B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2431080B1 patent drawingFigure 2d~2e

AI summary

The gliding board binding (10) has a front holder unit (24) that is rotatably mounted on a fixed base (22) for holding front portion of a sliding board shoe. The front holder unit and sliding board shoe are rotated by the fixed base around a common rotational axis (V) which is extended vertically to sliding board plane, when the front holder unit is set in closed state.