Ski Binding Front Unit Decoupling Actuation and Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gliding board bindings face a challenge in achieving reliable release behavior with higher release forces while maintaining easy operation, as high elastic forces required for sporty driving styles increase the risk of false triggering and reduce operating comfort.

Innovation Solution

A front unit with a movable actuation element and release element that can be selectively coupled or decoupled using a coupling device, allowing for independent operation of the binding actuation and release functions, enabling a high release force for sporty driving while ensuring comfortable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high elastic force is used in the engagement means, then reliable engagement and prevention of false triggering during sporty driving is improved, but the operating force required to release the binding increases, reducing operating comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable engagementVSAvoidoperating comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The binding system is divided into two independent functional parts: the engagement means with high elastic force for reliable shoe retention, and the actuating device with low operating force for comfortable release. The decoupling mechanism allows these two functions to operate independently, enabling high engagement force without requiring high release force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A decoupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the actuating device and the engagement means. This intermediary allows the actuating device to operate with low force while still controlling the high-force engagement means through the coupling mechanism, resolving the force mismatch between operation comfort and engagement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If high release force is used to prevent false triggering during vigorous driving maneuvers, then safety and reliable triggering behavior is improved, but the force required to manually operate the binding increases, reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetriggering behaviorVSAvoidoperating force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between the actuating device and engagement means is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The decoupling mechanism allows the system to switch between coupled and decoupled states, enabling the actuating device to operate with low force while maintaining the ability to transmit high forces when needed for reliable triggering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The functional separation divides the binding into independent segments: the actuating device for low-force operation and the engagement means for high-force retention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design guarantees reliable triggering behavior during sporty maneuvers while allowing for easy and low-force operation, enhancing both safety and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic means is therefore generally used in order to exert a predetermined compressive force from the engagement means on the shoe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the actuating element is set up for movement in the binding actuation direction by a spring-biased actuating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2826528B1Front unit of a gliding board binding
Publication Date: 2016.10.26 BARTHEL FRITZ
  • EP2826528B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2826528B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2826528B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

The present invention provides a front unit 10 of a ski binding, comprising a base 12 which is configured for mounting on a ski binding, engagement means 241, 24r for holding a ski binding boot, wherein the front unit 10 is adjustable between an engagement position in which the engagement means 241, 24r engage a front section of the ski binding boot, and a release position in which the engagement means 241, 24r release the front section of the ski binding boot, a binding actuation device 26 which has an actuating element 28; 128 which is movable between a first position and a second position in order to adjust the front unit 10 between the engagement position and the release position, and a release device 40, 42; 140, 142 for a safety release of the front unit 10, wherein the release device 40, 42;140, 142 the front unit 10 is moved from the engagement position to the release position when a force exceeding a predetermined release force is exerted on the engagement means 241, 24r, wherein the release device 40, 42; 140, 142 has a release element 40; 140 which moves relative to the base in the event of a safety release.