Ski Binding Heel Lever with Nested Sleeve Link Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe holder units for ski bindings face challenges in designing a link path with a simple and manufacturable structure that allows for a large movement stroke, which is essential for optimal release behavior, especially for sporty and unsportsmanlike skiing.
Innovation Solution
The double-arm lever is pivotally mounted on a thru-axle with a non-rotatable sleeve having a non-circular cross-section, allowing for a high degree of design freedom and easy assembly, and the link track is formed on the outer circumference of this sleeve, enabling a large movement stroke without being constrained by the bearing arrangement's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the link track is positioned at a large distance from the transverse axis to enable a large movement stroke, then the release behavior is optimized, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The link track is nested on the outer circumference of a sleeve that is mounted on the thru-axle. This allows the link track to be positioned at a large radius from the transverse axis while maintaining a compact overall structure. The sleeve acts as an intermediate carrier that enables the link track to achieve the required movement stroke without increasing the complexity of the bearing arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the link track design from the plane of the bearing arrangement to the outer circumference of a sleeve in a radial dimension. This dimensional change allows the link track to be positioned farther from the transverse axis, enabling a larger movement stroke while keeping the bearing arrangement itself simple and compact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the link track design is customized for optimal release behavior, then the release characteristics are optimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The link track function is segmented into a separate sleeve component rather than being integrated into the bearing arrangement. This segmentation allows the link track geometry to be independently optimized for release behavior while being manufactured as a separate piece with standard tolerances. The sleeve can be produced using conventional manufacturing methods without requiring high-precision custom bearing surfaces.
3Length of moving object
If a complex bearing arrangement is used to accommodate the link track, then the movement stroke is sufficient, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link track is nested on the sleeve which is in turn mounted on the simple thru-axle bearing arrangement. This nested configuration allows the complex link track geometry to be achieved without requiring a complex bearing arrangement. The assembly is simplified because the sleeve with the pre-formed link track can be easily mounted on the standard thru-axle, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining sufficient movement stroke.
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 enhances the release behavior and elasticity range, allowing for optimized performance in various skiing conditions by providing structural freedom and ease of assembly, while allowing for adjustable release characteristics through the shape of the sleeve.
Implementation Method 1
the piston or slide is arranged to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of this arm, which is tensioned by spring force against a slideway
Data Source
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AI summary
The shoe fixing device (4) has the double arm lever (16) pivoted to a connecting rod (12), which is inserted into the mounting arrangement (3) in form-fit and torque-proof manner and the slide path (18) is formed as outer circumference of a sleeve (17), which is arranged in torque proof manner with an inner circumference irregular in the cross section on a suitably formed segment of the outer circumference of the connecting rod.