Ski Boot Retention Cam Mechanism for Compact Binding Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski boot retention devices are bulky, require additional mass at the front, shift the pivot point, and lack ergonomic actuation mechanisms, impacting ski performance and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A compact ski boot retention device with a chassis and longitudinal stop element that slides longitudinally, featuring a simple actuation mechanism with cams for easy adjustment, independent of the shoe retention mechanism, and protected from external elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lateral locking element with complex kinematics is used to adjust the longitudinal position of the binding, then the locking mechanism can be actuated easily, but the binding size increases and mass is added at the front of the binding
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is extracted from a complex lateral kinematic system and simplified to a longitudinal stopping element that moves only in translation along the ski. This removes unnecessary mass and complexity while maintaining the adjustment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent components: a stopping element for longitudinal positioning and a separate actuating lever. This allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall mass and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a cam mechanism is used to actuate the stopping element, then the actuation force is reduced and ergonomics are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cam mechanism serves as an intermediary between the actuating lever and the stopping element. The cam converts rotational motion of the lever into linear motion of the stopping element while providing mechanical advantage to reduce actuation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is integrated into the actuating lever assembly, merging the actuation function with the stopping element control. This combination reduces overall device complexity compared to separate actuation and locking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the indexing means protrudes from the chassis in the inactive position, then the stop element can be easily actuated, but the device is exposed to external elements and accidental actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing means dynamically changes position based on the state of the stopping element. When the stopping element is active (locked), the indexing means protrudes for easy actuation. When inactive, the indexing means retracts to protect against external elements and accidental actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing means is preliminarily positioned to protrude only when needed for actuation. The mechanism automatically repositions the indexing means to a protected state after actuation, preventing exposure to harmful factors without requiring additional user 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 device improves ski balance and performance by maintaining the center of gravity rearward, offers ergonomic and reliable actuation, and requires no tools for adjustment, enhancing user experience and ski efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation means comprising a first cam adapted to interact with the first actuating surface of the longitudinal stop element so as to cause the translation of the longitudinal stop element towards its active position when the actuation means is manipulated in a direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A retention device (1) for a shoe (5) on a ski board (3) comprising: - a frame (11), - a longitudinal stop element (13) including an indexing means (131) and a first actuating surface (1322), the longitudinal stop element being mounted to move in translation relative to the frame, in a substantially vertical direction, between two configuration positions: . an active position in which the indexing means is able to cooperate with a complementary indexing means (20) and . an inactive position in which the indexing means does not cooperate with the complementary indexing means - an actuating means (14) including a first cam (141) able to interact with the first actuating surface (1322) of the longitudinal stop element so as to cause the longitudinal stop element to move towards its active position. The actuating means is mounted to move only in rotation relative to the frame.