Ski Binding Brake Lever and Control Plate Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ski touring bindings lack a simple and effective ski stop system that is compatible with lightweight and simple competition bindings, making it difficult to combine ski brakes without major modifications.

Innovation Solution

A rear binding system for touring skis that includes a brake system with a lever and control plate, which automatically switches between uphill and downhill modes without the need for additional locking systems, and forms a climbing wedge to support the boot during ascent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a brake system is added to lightweight competition bindings, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brake system is merged with the binding heel piece into a single integrated unit. The lever that controls the brake is the same component that provides the climbing wedge function, eliminating the need for separate brake mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lever component serves multiple functions: it acts as both the brake control mechanism and the climbing wedge support. This multi-functionality allows the lightweight binding to include brake capability without adding significant complexity or weight, as the same structural element performs both safety and climbing assistance roles

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

2Ease of operation

If a manual locking system is added to keep brakes in uphill mode, then brake control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake controlVSAvoidlocking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the boot itself as the locking mechanism. When the boot is placed in the binding, its weight and position automatically engage the lever to hold it in the uphill position, eliminating the need for separate manual locking systems. The boot serves its own purpose of securing itself to the binding while simultaneously controlling the brake position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The lever is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically assume the correct position based on boot engagement. The system is prepared in advance with the lever ready to be engaged by the boot, eliminating the need for manual intervention to set the brake mode during the climbing phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system provides a simple and effective ski stop solution that is lightweight and easy to use, reducing the number of manipulations required and ensuring safe operation during both ascent and descent.

Implementation Method 1

a control plate (40) pivotally mounted on the lever (30) along an axis X2 parallel to the axis X, and connected by an elastic member (50) to the base (28)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one lever (30) mounted to rotate on a base (28), along an axis X

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Implementation Method 3

The brake system is capable of evolving between a so-called 'descent' mode, in which the lever pivots between a trigger position and a triggered position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3827887B1Rear attachment element for ski mountaineering
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 GIGNOUX PIERRE
  • EP3827887B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3827887B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3827887B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a rear binding for ski touring, comprising a binding system, a braking system having at least one lever (30) and a control plate (40) pivotally mounted on the lever (30), and an elastic element (50) arranged to cooperate with the braking system. In an uphill mode, the control plate (40) is held against a stop element by the action of the elastic element, the control plate being positioned so as to form a climbing wedge and provide support to the heel of a boot, preventing the boot from being attached to the binding system.