Touring Ski Binding Heel Unit Automatic Climbing Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touring bindings require laborious and inconvenient manual adjustments of the climbing aid height, disrupting the ascent rhythm and posing safety risks, especially in steep terrain or difficult snow conditions, due to the need for secure footing and balance to actuate the mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A heel unit for touring bindings with an automatic adjustment system that includes a base plate, adjustable binding body, pivot bearings, motion conversion assembly, spring biased locking mechanism, energy storage, and electronic control unit, allowing for remote control operation and continuous, safe adjustment of the climbing aid height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanism is used for climbing aid height, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to laborious and inconvenient adjustments required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment mechanism with an automated control system that uses a motor-driven screw mechanism actuated by a ski pole. The control unit automatically adjusts the climbing aid height based on sensor input from the ski pole's position, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining mechanical simplicity in the execution mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service adjustment where the ski tourer's own ski pole action automatically triggers and executes the adjustment. The ski pole serves dual purposes: it is both the tool for walking and the actuator for adjusting the climbing aid, allowing the system to adjust itself without requiring separate manual intervention or complex operating mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If automatic adjustment system is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The ski pole is given multiple functions: it serves as the traditional walking tool for ski touring and simultaneously acts as the actuator for adjusting the climbing aid. The control unit processes signals from the ski pole's position to automatically control the screw mechanism, making the ski pole a multi-functional element that reduces the need for separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ski pole acts as an intermediary element between the tourer's movement and the adjustment mechanism. The control unit receives input from the ski pole's position (via sensors) and translates this into automatic adjustment commands, serving as a mediator that simplifies the control interface while enabling automated operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment is performed frequently, then adaptability to terrain improves, but loss of time increases due to interruptions in ascent rhythm
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary adjustment actions automatically based on the ski pole's position and terrain conditions. The control unit proactively adjusts the climbing aid height before the tourer needs to change terrain, eliminating the need for reactive manual adjustments and maintaining continuous ascent rhythm while adapting to changing conditions.
4Reliability
If manual adjustment mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to safety risks in steep terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated motor-driven system controlled by sensors and a control unit. This substitution eliminates the safety risks associated with manual operation in steep terrain, as the automated system can adjust the climbing aid without requiring the tourer to maintain balance or secure footing during the adjustment process.
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
Enables continuous, energy-efficient, and safe climbing by automatically adjusting the climbing aid height, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing disruptions, thus enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents and delays in group ascents.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased locking arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heel unit for touring bindings with automatic climbing aid adjustment, in which the adjustment device with a gearbox provides shoe support surfaces at different heights, and a method for positioning shoe supports of different heights under a ski boot, in which the position of the supports is adjusted automatically.