Sinuous Connecting Element for Ski Boot Cuff Flexion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports footwear, such as ski boots, lack effective control over the flexion of the cuff relative to the shell, limiting performance and comfort for both beginners and expert skiers, as traditional screw systems provide only marginal adjustment of the flex index and are not versatile enough to accommodate varying skiing needs.
Innovation Solution
A sports footwear design featuring a connecting element with a sinuous shape that extends vertically between the shell and cuff, allowing for adjustable flexion torque length and material properties, enhancing control and stability, and enabling the use of the same materials for shells and cuffs with diverse flexion degrees by varying the geometry and material of the connecting element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw systems are used to connect the cuff to the shell, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the control of flexion of the cuff relative to the shell is insufficient and the flex index cannot be effectively adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the connecting element. The element features a sinuous shape with variable curvature and thickness along its length, allowing the flexion characteristics to be controlled by changing these geometric parameters rather than using complex adjustment mechanisms. This enables effective flexion control while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element employs a sinuous (curved) shape instead of a straight configuration. This curvature introduces elastic properties to the otherwise rigid connecting element, enabling it to provide progressive flexion control. The curved geometry allows the element to bend in a controlled manner, improving flexion control without requiring additional mechanical components.
2Ease of manufacture
If the same rigid materials are used for both shell and cuff, then manufacturing is simplified and costs are reduced, but the ability to control flexion degree is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform connecting element with varying thickness and curvature along its length. While the shell and cuff are made of the same rigid material, the connecting element has different local properties - thicker and more rigid in some sections, thinner and more flexible in others. This local variation in geometry provides versatile flexion control while using uniform materials throughout, simplifying manufacturing.
3Strength
If a straight connecting element is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the elasticity and energy absorption capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element features a sinuous (curved) geometry instead of a straight configuration. This curvature provides elastic properties to the rigid element, enabling it to absorb and transmit energy through controlled deformation. The curved shape allows the element to flex progressively, improving energy management while maintaining a simple single-piece structure that is easy to manufacture.
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
This design improves the control and stability of the footwear, allowing for customized flexion adjustment, increased versatility, and simplified manufacturing with reduced costs, while maintaining performance across different skiing levels.
Implementation Method 1
it has a sinuous shape, which provides it with a certain elasticity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a sports footwear (1) of the type comprising a shell (3) and a cuff (5) articulated to said shell. According to the invention, said sports footwear (1) comprises at its rear portion a connecting element (15) which connects said shell to said cuff and is rigidly constrained to the shell at its lower end and to the cuff at its upper end and which, when viewed in a sectional view on a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sports footwear, has a sinuous shape. This shape allows the connecting element (15), in use, to transmit energy to the sports footwear and also to receive energy from it. By appropriately selecting the size, shape and materials of the connecting element (15), it is possible to obtain optimized control and adjustment of the degree of flexion of the cuff relative to the shell.