Ski Binding Lever Cam Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for adjusting the longitudinal position of ski boot binding elements on a gliding board are complex, require tools, are not user-friendly, and are costly due to the use of multiple components and metallic materials, making them unsuitable for quick adjustments and potentially unsafe.

Innovation Solution

A binding element with a lever and cam mechanism that allows for easy adjustment between high and low positions, using a simple lever and notching part design, which can be manufactured from plastic materials, eliminating the need for complex components and tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a crankshaft and toothed bar mechanism is used for adjustment, then the binding element can be locked in position, but the device becomes complex and requires metallic materials that are expensive to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of position locking from the complex crankshaft-toothed bar mechanism and implements it through a simplified lever system with cam action. The lever with cam profile directly engages the toothed bar to provide locking without requiring the complex crankshaft mechanism, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters by replacing metallic materials with plastic materials for the lever and related components. This parameter change maintains the functional requirements for locking and positioning while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost, eliminating the need for expensive metal fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a lock mechanism requiring a tool is used for adjustment, then the position can be secured, but the adjustment process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition securityVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service adjustment by designing a lever mechanism that can be operated directly by the user without requiring external tools. The lever with cam action allows the user to manually release and reposition the binding element by simply manipulating the lever, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for screwdrivers or other tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic operation through the lever mechanism that can be quickly moved between locked and released positions. The cam profile enables rapid transition between states, allowing the binding element to be dynamically adjusted from a fixed locked position to a movable released position and back, greatly improving ease of operation compared to static tool-required locks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple components are used for adjustment mechanism, then the locking function is achieved, but the overall volume of the accessory increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidaccessory volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple components into a more compact integrated structure. The lever with cam profile is designed to work directly with the toothed bar and notching part in a compact arrangement, eliminating the need for separate crankshaft, strip, and mounting components. This merging of functions into a more integrated system reduces the overall volume of the binding element accessory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If a complex mounting method is used for the adjustment mechanism, then the components can be assembled, but the process becomes difficult and not user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent assemblyVSAvoidmounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the binding element into modular components including the lever assembly, toothed bar, and notching part that can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for manufacturing while simplifying the overall assembly process, making the mounting procedure more user-friendly compared to integrated complex mechanisms.

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

The solution provides a user-friendly, cost-effective, and safe method for adjusting the binding element without additional bulk, maintaining the aesthetic appearance and ensuring quick and reliable positioning.

Implementation Method 1

a lever (20) actuating by a cam on a notching part (30) movable in vertical translation within the abutment (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP2386333B1Attachment element with adjustable position on a ski board
Publication Date: 2013.07.10 SKIS ROSSIGNOL SA VOIRON FR
  • EP2386333B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2386333B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2386333B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The element has a lever (20) co-operating with a notching part by a cam, so that an actuation of the lever allows positioning of the notching part along two bottom and top positions corresponding respectively to a configuration of adjusting and blocking the fixation element on a board. The notching part includes an opening extended transversely, and is crossed by an axle of the lever, where the axle of the lever includes a cam forming part cooperating with an interior surface of the opening of the notching part. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a device for fixing a shoe on a sliding board, comprising a stop (2) a method for assembly a fixation element.