Ski Binding Heel Raiser Integration for Brake Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ski mountaineering bindings have a blocking device for the brake that is heavy and not intuitive in operation, leading to potential human errors.

Innovation Solution

Integrate the blocking lever into the heel raiser, reducing weight and making the operation more intuitive by activating the heel raiser in a known manner for uphill walking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate blocking device is used for the brake, then the brake can be blocked during uphill walking, but the overall weight of the binding increases and the operation becomes less intuitive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake blocking functionVSAvoidoverall weight of binding
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the blocking lever with the heel raiser into a single integrated component. The blocking lever is formed as an integral part of the heel raiser body, eliminating the need for a separate blocking device. This merging reduces the overall weight of the binding while maintaining both the uphill walking function (heel raising) and the brake blocking function through the same component structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heel raiser is designed to perform multiple functions: it raises the heel during uphill walking and simultaneously serves as a blocking lever to prevent the brake from activating. By making the heel raiser a multi-functional component that also acts as the blocking mechanism, the patent eliminates redundant parts and simplifies the overall binding structure while maintaining reliable brake blocking during touring mode.

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

2Reliability

If a separate blocking device is used for the brake, then the brake can be blocked during uphill walking, but the operation becomes less intuitive and human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake blocking functionVSAvoidintuitiveness of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the blocking lever with the heel raiser into a single integrated component. The blocking lever is formed as an integral part of the heel raiser body, eliminating the need for a separate blocking device. This merging reduces the overall weight of the binding while maintaining both the uphill walking function (heel raising) and the brake blocking function through the same component structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heel raiser is designed to perform multiple functions: it raises the heel during uphill walking and simultaneously serves as a blocking lever to prevent the brake from activating. By making the heel raiser a multi-functional component that also acts as the blocking mechanism, the patent eliminates redundant parts and simplifies the overall binding structure while maintaining reliable brake blocking during touring mode.

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

3Weight of moving object

If the blocking lever is integrated into the heel raiser, then the overall weight is reduced and operation is more intuitive, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall weight of bindingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the blocking lever with the heel raiser into a single integrated component. The blocking lever is formed as an integral part of the heel raiser body, eliminating the need for a separate blocking device. This merging reduces the overall weight of the binding while maintaining both the uphill walking function (heel raising) and the brake blocking function through the same component structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heel raiser is designed to perform multiple functions: it raises the heel during uphill walking and simultaneously serves as a blocking lever to prevent the brake from activating. By making the heel raiser a multi-functional component that also acts as the blocking mechanism, the patent eliminates redundant parts and simplifies the overall binding structure while maintaining reliable brake blocking during touring mode.

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

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

Reduces the overall weight of the rear portion of the ski binding and enhances operational intuitiveness, minimizing the likelihood of human errors.

Implementation Method 1

first elastic means acting on the first braking portion, for exerting a force tending to bring the first braking portion into the first braking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4112140B1Rear portion of a ski mountaineering binding
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 ATK SPORTS SRL
  • EP4112140B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4A
  • EP4112140B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP4112140B1 patent drawingFigure 9~12

AI summary

A rear portion of a ski mountaineering binding (1) is described, comprising: a heel-piece (2) comprising: a base (5); a turret (6); and a heel raiser (7) which is rotatably borne by the turret (6) so as to assume an operating position (OP), in which the heel raiser (7) can restingly receive the heel (8) of a ski boot (9), and a non-operating position (NOP); a brake (3) for a ski which comprises: a first braking portion (11) which is movable to assume a first braking position (21) and a first non-active position (31); first elastic means (41) acting on the first braking portion (11), in order to exert a force tending to bring the first braking portion (11) into the first braking position (21); connecting means (4) which connect the blocking lever (7) to the brake (3) and which are configured in such a way that: when the blocking lever (7) is in the operating position (OP) the connecting means (4) are under tension so that the first braking portion (11) is stably maintained in the first non-active position (31); and when the blocking lever (7) is in the non-operating position (NOP) the connecting means (4) are slackened so that the first braking portion (11) can reach, or remain, in the first braking position (21).