Ski Binding Front Unit with Dual Engagement for Downhill Stability and Uphill Walking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Downhill ski bindings are optimized for downhill skiing but do not allow uphill walking, while touring bindings provide the necessary flexibility but compromise on stability and release characteristics during downhill runs.
Innovation Solution
A front unit for gliding board bindings that incorporates two separate engagement systems: one for immovable fixation in a downhill position and another for pivotable mounting, allowing for optimal handling and stability during downhill runs while enabling uphill walking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If downhill binding system is used to fix the front sole section immovably, then stability and handling characteristics during downhill runs are improved, but the ability to walk uphill is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system is divided into two separate engagement means: first engagement means (downhill binding system) for immovable fixation during downhill runs, and second engagement means (touring binding system) for pivotable mounting during uphill walking. Each engagement means is independently configured to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The front unit is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating both downhill binding system and touring binding system engagement means. The same front unit can provide immovable fixation for downhill skiing and pivotable mounting for uphill walking, making it universally applicable for both downhill and touring activities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If touring binding system is used with pivot bearing means for uphill walking, then the ability to walk uphill is improved, but stability and release characteristics during downhill runs are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system separates the pivot bearing means (second engagement means) from the immovable fixation means (first engagement means). The pivot bearing means is specifically designed for touring mode with adequate stability, while the downhill binding system provides enhanced stability for downhill runs when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The front unit can dynamically switch between two engagement modes: the first engagement means engages for downhill runs to provide immovable fixation, while the second engagement means engages for uphill walking to provide pivotable mounting. The system adapts its characteristics based on the operational mode required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate engagement means are provided in a single front unit, then both downhill stability and uphill walking capability are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the downhill binding system engagement means and the touring binding system engagement means are integrated into a single front unit. The two engagement means are combined in space and structure, allowing the front unit to provide both downhill and touring functionality without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The front unit is designed as a universal binding system that accommodates both downhill and touring engagement means, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate binding systems for different skiing disciplines.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a front unit (10) for a ski-ski binding, comprising first engagement means of a first binding system (12) for fixing a front sole section of a ski-ski boot in a downhill position, and second engagement means of a second binding system (14), wherein the second engagement means have bearing means (34L, 34R) separate from the first engagement means for pivotally mounting a ski-ski boot about an axis (Q) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) of the ski-ski.