Alpine Ski Binding Brake Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alpine ski binding brakes for folding skis must not obstruct the rotation of the connecting platform during folding, while also preventing uncontrolled sliding when the ski boot is detached, as a locked brake can lead to free sliding down the slope if not released before use.
Innovation Solution
An alpine ski binding brake design featuring a brake housing, step-on plate, pivotally mounted brake bow, lever, and angled arm with a cut-out or ridge/groove mechanism that allows the brake to be locked in the raised position for folding, yet prevents ski boot attachment, ensuring the brake moves to a braking position only when intended.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the brake is locked in the raised position to allow folding of the ski, then the ski can be easily folded and stored, but the brake cannot function to prevent uncontrolled sliding when the ski boot is detached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the angled arm with cut-out or ridge/groove interaction with the lever) that mediates between the brake locking function and the folding function. This intermediary ensures that the brake can be locked for folding but prevents the ski from being used in that locked state, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of folding and brake reliability.
2Reliability
If the brake is locked to prevent uncontrolled sliding when the ski boot is detached, then safety is improved, but the brake obstructs the rotation of the connecting platform during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the brake locking mechanism conditional rather than static. The brake can be locked in the raised position, but the locking mechanism itself is designed to be dynamic - it allows locking for folding while simultaneously preventing ski use in that state. The angled arm and lever interaction creates a dynamic system that adapts its function based on the operational state.
3Reliability
If the brake mechanism is designed to allow free movement for skiing, then brake functionality is maintained, but the brake cannot be locked in the raised position for folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the brake mechanism to serve dual purposes: it functions as a brake during skiing operations and as a lockable component during folding operations. The same mechanical components (brake housing, lever, angled arm) perform both braking and locking functions, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and enabling the ski to be both safe to use and easy to fold.
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 mechanism allows the ski to be safely folded and maintained while preventing uncontrolled sliding by ensuring the brake is functional only when the ski boot is attached, enhancing user safety and maintenance access.
Implementation Method 1
a spring means (7) arranged to push the brake housing (2) and the step-on plate (3) apart
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an alpine ski binding brake, particularly for a folding ski. The task of the invention is to configure a simple mechanism that would allow the brake to be locked, but at the same time prevent the use of skis in the locked position of the brake. The brake (1) comprises a brake housing (2), a step-on plate (3), a brake bow (4), a lever (5) with a protrusion (6) that is pivotally mounted in the step-on plate (3) in the brake housing (2), a spring means (7) that pushes the brake housing (2) and the step-on plate (3) apart, an angled arm (8) pivotally mounted in the brake housing (2) with a first leg (8a) and the first leg (8a) of the angled arm being provided in the area of the protrusion with a cut-out (9) arranged in a way that, when in use, the protrusion can pass unobstructed through the cut-out (9) when the second leg (8b) of the angled arm is parallel to the ski plane, and in a way that the cut-out (9) faces away from the protrusion (6) of the lever when the angled arm projects with its other leg upwards in the position perpendicular to the ski plane, and that the first leg (8a) prevents the rotation of the lever (5).