Ski Binding Front Unit Defined Opening Abutment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ski binding front units have a large tolerance range in the opening dimension due to multiple components involved in defining this dimension, making it difficult for users to precisely position the ski boot, leading to potential coupling issues.
Innovation Solution
A front unit with a direct stop between the base plate and the angles, minimizing the tolerance range and ensuring precise positioning by eliminating intermediate components and force deflections, and providing a visual and haptic aid for correct coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple intermediate components (operating lever, blocking lever, angles) are used to define the opening dimension, then the device can achieve the required functional movement and positioning, but the tolerance range of the opening dimension increases due to the accumulation of manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate components (operating lever, blocking lever) from the dimension chain that defines the opening dimension. The stop is now directly between the base plate and the angle, extracting the unnecessary intermediaries that were causing tolerance accumulation. This directly reduces the number of components in the tolerance chain while maintaining the required functional movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the stop function directly into the relationship between the base plate and the angle. Instead of having separate components (base plate - stop - operating lever - angle), the stop is positioned such that it directly contacts both the base plate and the angle, combining multiple functions into a direct dimensional definition that eliminates intermediate tolerance accumulations.
2Reliability
If the opening dimension is designed with a larger tolerance range to ensure sufficient play for boot insertion, then boot coupling is ensured, but it becomes more difficult for users to precisely position the ski boot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple articulated components with a direct stop mechanism that provides both the necessary play for boot insertion and a precise visual and haptic reference. The direct contact between the stop and the angle creates a definite positional reference that users can feel and see, replacing the imprecise mechanical chain with a direct reference system.
3Device complexity
If the opening dimension is defined by contact between the base plate and elements connected to the angles, then the device structure is maintained, but the tolerance chain increases with more components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unnecessary intermediate components (operating lever, blocking lever) from the dimensional definition chain. The stop is positioned to directly contact the base plate and the angle, taking out the intermediaries that were adding tolerance accumulation. This maintains the essential device structure while eliminating the tolerance-problematic components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a front unit (10) for a ski binding, in particular a touring binding, comprising a base plate (12) with a fastening arrangement (14) for attachment to a ski, two lateral bearing elements (16a, 16b) which are arranged on a ski transverse axis extending substantially orthogonally to a ski longitudinal axis and which are configured to engage lateral counter-bearing elements of a ski boot in order to hold the ski boot pivotable about the ski transverse axis, wherein the bearing elements (16a, 16b) are adjustable between a closed position in which the bearing elements (16a, 16b) have a distance from each other which is designed for engagement with the counter-bearing elements, and an open position in which the bearing elements (16a, 16b) have a distance which is greater than in the closed position, so that the ski boot can be pivoted between the bearing elements (16a,16b) can be inserted or removed from the front unit (10), and two angles (18a, 18b), at least one of which (18a) is pivotably held on the base plate (12) about an axis (20a), each angle (18a, 18b) having a first leg (18a-1, 18b-1) at the distal end of which one of the bearing elements (16a, 16b) is arranged, wherein a stop (22a, 24a) is provided between the base plate (12) and at least one (18a) of the two angles (18a, 18b), such that in the open position a contact section (22a) of the angle (18a) touches a corresponding counter-contact section (24a) of the base plate (12) and in the closed position the contact section (22a) of the angle does not touch the counter-contact section (24a) of the base plate (12).