Rotationally Adjustable Sport Boot Binding Adapter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Snowboarders face difficulty in adjusting the angle of their feet relative to the snowboard without removing their boots from the bindings, leading to discomfort and increased fatigue due to the rigid binding system.

Innovation Solution

A rotationally adjustable binding mount system that allows users to adjust the angular orientation of the binding without removing their foot, featuring a base plate, top plate, and locking mechanism with access openings for easy fastener alignment and attachment to the snowboard, enabling pivot and rotation adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the binding is rigidly attached to the board, then the binding provides stable support and control, but the user cannot adjust the angle of the foot without removing the boot from the binding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of foot angleVSAvoiddifficulty of adjusting foot angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The binding mount system transitions from a static rigid attachment to a dynamic adjustable system. The top plate can rotate relative to the base plate about a vertical axis, allowing the binding angle to be changed while the boot remains in the binding. This is achieved through a locking mechanism that can engage or disengage to permit or prevent rotation, enabling the user to adjust foot angle without removing the boot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the binding is rigidly attached to the board, then the binding provides stable support, but the user experiences discomfort and fatigue due to inability to adjust foot angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of foot angleVSAvoidstability of binding

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of the binding angle while maintaining stability when locked. The locking mechanism ensures that when engaged, the top plate is securely fixed relative to the base plate, providing stable support. When disengaged, the top plate can rotate to allow angle adjustment. This dynamic capability enables the binding to provide both stability during riding and adjustability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the static base plate and the movable top plate. It controls the rotational movement of the top plate relative to the base plate, allowing the user to switch between a locked stable state and an unlocked adjustable state. This intermediary mechanism enables both stability and adaptability in the binding system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the binding allows rotational adjustment, then the user can adjust foot angle, but the binding structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of foot angleVSAvoidcomplexity of binding mount

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding mount is divided into separate functional components: a base plate that attaches to the board, a top plate that holds the binding, and a locking mechanism that controls rotation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while enabling rotational adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate and top plate design allows the same components to serve multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling rotational adjustment, and allowing for angle locking. The mounting holes and locking mechanism work together to achieve both stability and adjustability without requiring entirely separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the binding mount requires disassembly for angle adjustment, then the structure remains simple, but the user cannot quickly adjust foot angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of foot angleVSAvoidtime to adjust foot angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism enables quick transitions between locked and unlocked states without requiring full disassembly of the binding mount. The user can rapidly adjust the foot angle by releasing the locking mechanism, rotating the top plate, and re-engaging the lock, significantly reducing the time required for adjustment compared to complete disassembly and reassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be easily operated by the user without requiring tools or assistance. The user can independently adjust the binding angle by manipulating the locking mechanism, making the adjustment process quick and self-service oriented.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8596668B2Rotationally adjustable adapter for sport boot binding

Publication Date: 2013.12.03 VAN BREGMANN PETER R JR

AI summary

An adapter enables a rider to adjust an angular orientation of a binding relative to a sport board without removing a foot, comprising a base plate, a top plate, and a locking mechanism supported by the top plate having a pair of insertion members configured to selectively engage a plurality of recesses formed in the base plate. The top plate and base plate can each have a center opening and a fastener supported by the center opening of each of the top plate and base plate to axially couple the top plate to the base plate.