Ski Binding Blade Mechanism for Slow Fall Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski boot binding systems are ineffective in releasing the boot during slow falls, as the forces transmitted may remain below the predefined release threshold but extend over a long period, leading to potential injuries, and existing solutions with electronic motors are complex, fragile, or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical release mechanism featuring a blade and articulated rods with a lock and control system that allows automatic unlocking during slow falls, reducing forces on components and incorporating a slow fall detection system to activate the release mechanism beyond a specific force threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spring-based mechanical release means are used, then the release mechanism is simple and reliable, but it cannot release the boot during slow falls when forces remain below the predefined threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is divided into two independent systems: a traditional spring-based mechanical means for high-force releases and a blade-based mechanical means for slow fall detection. Each system operates independently with its own triggering threshold, allowing the boot to be released under either condition without requiring a complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade acts as an intermediary element between the boot and the release mechanism. When subjected to prolonged sub-threshold forces during a slow fall, the blade deforms and triggers the release through articulated rods, translating the cumulative effect of low forces into a release action without requiring high force thresholds.
2Reliability
If electronic motor-based trigger devices are added to handle slow falls, then release capability during slow falls is improved, but the device becomes complex and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic motor-based triggering with a purely mechanical blade-based system. The blade deforms under prolonged sub-threshold forces and mechanically actuates the release through articulated rods, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, motors, and complex control systems while maintaining slow fall detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade-based mechanical means is self-activating and requires no external power source or control system. The blade automatically deforms under the cumulative effect of prolonged forces during a slow fall and mechanically triggers the release through the articulated rod mechanism, making the system self-sufficient and highly reliable.
3Reliability
If electronic motor-based trigger devices are used, then slow fall release is achieved, but the forces transmitted to components become high and the system becomes fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The blade serves as a force-distributing intermediary that converts prolonged sub-threshold forces into a cumulative deformation effect. This allows the system to detect slow falls using forces well below the traditional release threshold without subjecting components to high stress, as the blade's elastic deformation integrates the force over time rather than requiring peak force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from peak force threshold to cumulative force effect. The blade's deformation under prolonged sub-threshold forces represents a parameter change that enables slow fall detection without requiring the high forces that would stress traditional mechanical components, thereby reducing component stress while maintaining detection capability.
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 simple, compact, and reliable automatic release mechanism that effectively releases the boot during slow falls, minimizing forces on components and ensuring safety without the complexity and fragility of existing electronic solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical trigger means can deform for a longitudinal force greater than a threshold between 150 and 250 N when the mechanical trigger means is active
Implementation Method 2
these releases are implemented by the toe piece and/or the heel piece by means of a mechanical means based on a spring, which induces an automatic rotational movement of the jaws in engagement with the shoe under the effect of certain forces above a certain predefined threshold
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An arrangement for triggering a shoe attachment element on a sliding board comprising at least one receiving element (1, 2) of a shoe attachment element on a sliding board, characterized in that it comprises an automatic triggering means for releasing the shoe from at least one attachment element, this means comprising a blade (5) and/or several articulated connecting rods (31, 32) forming a mechanical triggering means and a lock (6, 10, 11) for locking or activating the mechanical triggering means, the mechanical triggering means being linked to at least one receiving element (1, 2) of a shoe attachment element on a sliding board to allow its movement beyond a certain force exerted on the receiving element (1, 2) when the mechanical triggering means is active.