Cross-Country Ski Binding Adjusting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing binding devices for cross-country skiing are impractical for making quick and precise adjustments of the boot's position on the gliding board, as they are complex to manipulate and offer limited adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A binding device with a simple and intuitive adjusting mechanism, featuring a structured element with reliefs on the gliding board, a locking element that moves between locked and unlocked positions, and an operating element that rotates to actuate the locking element, allowing precise adjustment of the boot's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a position-adjusting device is equipped in the binding device, then the adjustability of the boot position is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting device is segmented into distinct functional components: a structured element with reliefs fixed to the gliding board, a locking element with corresponding relief, and an operating element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to automatically lock into position when the operating element is released, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The spring-loaded locking element self-activates to secure the boot position, reducing operational complexity and improving ease of use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjusting mechanism is used to provide adjustability, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the operating mechanism, allowing the operating element to be simplified to a single rotational motion that simultaneously unlocks the locking element and enables position adjustment. This extraction of the locking function improves ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be dynamic, transitioning between locked and unlocked states through the rotational motion of the operating element. This dynamic design allows for quick and intuitive adjustment, improving ease of operation while maintaining the full range of motion for adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking element is always engaged with the structured element, then the stability of the boot position is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element operates in a periodic manner, alternating between engaged and disengaged states. During normal use, the locking element remains engaged to provide stability. When adjustment is needed, the operating element rotates to temporarily disengage the locking element, allowing position change, then automatically re-engages to restore stability. This periodic action maintains stability while enabling easy adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
The front binding device (3) for holding a boot on a gliding board (2) has a retaining element (4) able to collaborate with a front part of a boot, and an adjusting device (7) for adjusting a position of the retaining means relative to a gliding board, the adjusting device having a structured element (12) comprising a series of reliefs (13), the structured element being intended to be mounted securely on the gliding board, and a locking element (14) mobile between a locked position in which it is engaged with the structured element in order to lock the position of the retaining element, and an unlocked position in which it is disengaged from the structured element in order to adjust the position of the retaining element.