Ski Binding Heel Unit Lever Mechanism for Compact Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic heel units for touring ski bindings face issues with compactness and ease of operation, as they require significant force to transition between climbing and downhill positions due to spring-loaded mechanisms that can become clogged with snow and ice, and take up excessive volume.
Innovation Solution
The automatic heel unit features an adjusting lever mounted on the carriage with a pivot axle, combined with a lever element on the base element that pivots about separate axles, allowing for a compact design and reduced rearward extension, enabling smooth transitions between positions without the need for high force inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-loaded mechanisms are used to transition between climbing and downhill positions, then the automatic heel unit can maintain reliable locking, but significant force is required to operate and the mechanism can become clogged with snow and ice
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting lever is divided into two functional parts: a first portion that interacts with the carriage and a second portion that extends rearward. This segmentation allows the lever to perform multiple functions - guiding the carriage transition and providing mechanical advantage for easy operation - while preventing snow and ice accumulation in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's input force and the spring-loaded locking mechanism. By positioning the pivot axle and extending the second portion rearward, the lever provides mechanical advantage that reduces the force needed to overcome the spring mechanism, while its geometry prevents snow and ice clogging.
2Ease of operation
If the adjusting lever is extended rearward to provide mechanical advantage, then ease of operation is improved, but the device volume and rearward extension increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting lever serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the carriage during position transitions, provides mechanical advantage through its extended second portion, and prevents snow/ice accumulation through its specific geometry. This multi-functionality allows the lever to achieve ease of operation without requiring excessive extension that would increase device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting lever is mounted to move with the carriage during position transitions. The pivot axle position and the moving configuration allow the lever to dynamically adjust its position and orientation, providing mechanical advantage when needed while minimizing rearward extension when the carriage is in forward positions, thus reducing overall device volume.
3Volume of moving object
If the adjusting lever is mounted on the base element, then device volume is reduced, but the lever becomes vulnerable to snow and ice accumulation affecting operation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting lever is segmented into a first portion that moves with the carriage and a second portion that extends rearward. This segmentation allows the critical pivot mechanism to be positioned where it can move with the carriage (avoiding stationary snow accumulation), while the extended second portion provides the necessary mechanical advantage and has a geometry that prevents snow and ice buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting lever is designed to move dynamically with the carriage during position transitions, rather than being stationary on the base element. This dynamic configuration ensures that the lever does not remain in a fixed position where snow and ice could accumulate and interfere with operation, while still achieving compact device volume through coordinated movement.
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 results in a compact, efficient automatic heel unit that requires less force to operate and maintains a secure locking mechanism, enhancing skiing comfort and safety by allowing easy transitions between climbing and downhill positions without the risk of accidental movement during skiing.
Implementation Method 1
a lever element (19) which is mounted on the base element (2) so as to be pivotable about a first axle (15)
Implementation Method 2
The adjusting lever (6) is mounted on the carriage (3) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axle (7)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic heel unit for a ski binding or touring ski binding, having a base element and a carriage which is mounted on the base element to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the ski. This automatic heel unit has at least one climbing position in which the carriage is situated in a rear position and a downhill position in which the carriage is situated further forward than in the climbing position. It comprises an adjusting lever for adjusting the automatic heel unit from the downhill position into the climbing position and back. This adjusting lever is mounted on the carriage to be pivotable about a pivot axle. Furthermore, the automatic heel unit comprises a lever element which is mounted on the base element to be pivotable about a first axle and mounted on the adjusting lever to be pivotable about a second axle.