Ski Touring Binding Heel Unit with Integrated Spring Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern alpine ski touring bindings lack a simple and lightweight design for adjustable forward and lateral release mechanisms, which can lead to unintended disengagement during lateral shocks without sufficient resistance.
Innovation Solution
A heel unit apparatus with a rotatable body on a vertical axis, utilizing a single resilient element to exert forces through independent My and Mz linkages for forward and lateral release, allowing simultaneous adjustment of resistance levels by altering the pre-loaded force, and featuring a snow brake for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate My spring and Mz spring systems are used for forward and lateral release, then adjustable release values are provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the My spring and Mz spring systems into a single integrated spring mechanism. The spring is positioned and oriented to simultaneously provide both forward release resistance (My direction) and lateral release resistance (Mz direction), eliminating the need for separate spring components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adjustable release values for both directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single spring mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both My release adjustment and Mz release adjustment capabilities. By universally serving both release directions, the spring reduces the number of components needed while maintaining the reliability of adjustable release values in both forward and lateral directions.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for forward and lateral release mechanisms, then adjustable release values are achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple release mechanism components into a more compact integrated structure. By combining the functions of separate My and Mz spring systems into a unified mechanism, the overall weight of the heel unit is reduced while still providing adjustable release values for both forward and lateral directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated mechanism is designed to universally handle both My and Mz release functions with a single multi-functional component structure, eliminating redundant parts and reducing the total weight of the heel unit while maintaining full adjustability for both release directions.
3Device complexity
If a simple binding design is used, then lightweight construction is achieved, but resistance against lateral shocks without sufficient resistance is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning and orienting the spring mechanism to provide enhanced resistance specifically in the lateral shock direction (Mz) while maintaining overall design simplicity. The spring's placement and mechanical leverage are optimized to deliver concentrated resistance where needed most, without adding complex structures throughout the entire binding.
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 provides a lightweight, adjustable, and reliable mechanism for transitioning between downhill and touring modes, ensuring secure engagement and easy release, while maintaining resistance against both forward and lateral movements.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element movable within the body which when pre-loaded under compression or tension, exerts forces in opposing directions
Implementation Method 2
a resilient element movable within the body which when pre-loaded under compression or tension, exerts forces in opposing directions
Data Source
AI summary
A heel unit apparatus for a ski touring binding is disclosed which comprises a body mounted on a support, the body being rotatable relative to the support on a vertical axis. The body comprises a resilient element movable within the body which when pre-loaded under compression or tension, exerts forces in opposing directions. The body also comprises at least one forward connector moveable between resting and release positions for releasably connecting the body to the heel of a footwear and a My linkage between the resilient element and the at least one forward connector configured such that force exerted in one of the opposing directions resists movement of the at least one forward connector from the resting position to the release position. The resilient element, the at least one forward connector and the My linkage cooperate to resist forward release. The body further comprises a Mz linkage between the resilient element and a resting surface on the support configured such that the force in the other of the opposing directions presses against the resting surface to resist rotation of the body about the support. The resilient element, the Mz linkage and the body cooperate to resist lateral release. Shocks independently affecting the My and the Mz linkages do not significantly lessen resistance to Mz and My release, respectively.