Ski Binding Brake Mechanism with Automatic Turret-Linked Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski mountaineering bindings require complex operations for switching between downhill and uphill skiing, involving multiple steps and manual activation of the brake system.
Innovation Solution
A rear portion of a ski mountaineering binding with a turret that rotates between two positions, simplifying the operation by allowing the brake to automatically switch between active and non-active configurations using elastic means and a hooking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual activation of the brake system is used, then the brake can be controlled, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system automatically activates and deactivates based on the turret position. When the turret rotates to the downhill position, the brake arm automatically engages with the ski. When the turret rotates to the uphill position, the brake automatically disengages. This eliminates the need for manual brake activation, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable brake control.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake arm is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to be ready for automatic engagement. The elastic means continuously exert force to position the brake arm in the braked configuration, so that when the turret rotates into the downhill position, the brake is already prepared to engage immediately without requiring additional manual action.
2Reliability
If multiple steps are required for mode switching, then precise control is achieved, but the time required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake activation and turret rotation functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The brake arm is mechanically linked to the turret through the cam and elastic means, so that one rotational motion of the turret simultaneously achieves both the mode switching and the brake activation/deactivation, eliminating the need for separate manual brake operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic means continuously pre-position the brake arm in readiness, so that the brake is prepared for immediate engagement. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the turret rotates, the brake can engage or disengage instantly without requiring additional time for manual activation or adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If the brake is always in non-active configuration for uphill skiing, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system dynamically adapts its state based on the operational mode. During uphill skiing, the brake remains disengaged to allow free movement. During downhill skiing, the brake automatically engages to provide safety. This dynamic adaptation ensures both ease of operation during uphill skiing and safety during downhill skiing without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage between the turret and brake arm provides automatic feedback. The turret position directly controls the brake state through the cam mechanism and elastic means. When the turret is in the uphill position, the feedback mechanism ensures the brake remains disengaged. When the turret rotates to the downhill position, the feedback automatically triggers brake engagement, ensuring safety without compromising uphill convenience.
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
Simplifies the user's operations for skiing downhill and uphill by reducing the number of steps required, enhancing usability and flexibility in design for optimal weight distribution and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
comprises first elastic means which are arranged so as to exert a force which tends to bring the brake into braked configuration
Implementation Method 2
comprises second elastic means acting on the hooking member, in order to exert a force which tends to push the hooking member into the disengaged configuration
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
Figure 9~12
AI summary
A rear portion of a ski mountaineering binding (1), wherein: it comprises a base (2); it comprises a turret (3) which is rotatable with respect to the base (2); it comprises a brake (5) for a ski which is fixable to the ski and which is able to assume a braked configuration (5A), in which it brakes the ski, and a non-active configuration (5B) in which the brake (5) is non-active; it comprises first elastic means which are arranged so as to exert a force which tends to bring the brake (5) into the braked configuration (5A); it comprises a hooking member (8) which is borne by the base (2), it comprises a hook (81) for hooking the brake (5), is movable along a first movement path (80) which is transversal to the axis of the ski, and is activatable to assume a disengaged configuration (8A), in which the hook (81) is not able to hook the brake (5), and to assume an engaged configuration (8B), wherein the hook (81) is able to hook the brake (5) when the brake (5) is brought into the non-active configuration (5B), maintaining the brake (5) stably in the non-active configuration (5B); it comprises second elastic means (9) acting on the hooking member (8), in order to exert a force which tends to push the hooking member (8) into the engaged configuration (8A); it comprises a cam (6) which is borne by the turret (3); it comprises a pusher (7) which is borne by the base (2), which is movable along a second movement path (70) and which is activatable by the cam (6); the hooking member (8) comprises an abutment (82) for abutting the pusher (7), and is activatable by the turret (3), via the cam (6) and the pusher (7), to assume the disengaged configuration (8A) and to assume the engaged configuration (8B).