Ski Binding Activation Arm and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski bindings for children are difficult to enter and exit, especially on uneven terrain, and require complex assembly processes, which increases production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A ski binding with a housing, a locking member, and an activation member that allows easy manual opening and step-in functionality, featuring a biasing mechanism and a radially extending arm to facilitate easy entry and exit, along with a means to hold the locking member in an open position, enabling children to secure their ski shoes independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual opening mechanism is added to allow children to easily open the binding, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual opening arm is nested within the housing structure, with the arm rotating about a transversal axis that is integrated into the binding body. The connection means between the arm and locking member are arranged concentrically, allowing the opening mechanism to be contained within the existing binding footprint without adding external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm acts as an intermediary element between the user's manual input and the locking member. When the arm rotates, it forces the locking member from the locking position to the open position through the connection means, providing a mechanical mediation that simplifies the opening operation for children while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the binding is designed for easy manual opening by children, then ease of operation is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The binding is divided into distinct modular components: the housing, the locking member, the activation member with arm, and the connection means. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using automated processes and then assembled through straightforward insertion and engagement operations, reducing overall assembly complexity despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm rotates about a transversal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the binding, utilizing a different spatial dimension for the opening mechanism. This dimensional arrangement allows the opening function to be added without interfering with the linear assembly sequence of the binding components, enabling automated assembly from a single direction.
3Ease of operation
If a step-in functionality is provided for automatic entry, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The binding provides dynamic entry options: on even terrain, the ski shoe can automatically step in and force the locking member open; on uneven terrain, the child can manually rotate the arm to open the locking mechanism. The system adapts its operation mode based on the terrain conditions, maintaining reliability across different environments while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding's locking member is designed with outer portions that allow the ski shoe pin to automatically force the locking member from the locking position to the open position during step-in entry on suitable terrain. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention during entry when conditions permit, while the manual arm mechanism serves as a backup for difficult terrain.
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 binding allows children to easily enter and exit in all terrains without manual force, simplifies assembly, and reduces production costs by minimizing manual operations, providing a stable and efficient locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing means configured to bias the locking member towards the locking position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A touring or cross-country ski binding comprising a first recess for receiving a ski shoe pin. The binding also comprises a locking member movable back and forth along between a locking position and a open position. Further, the binding comprises a biasing means configured to bias the locking member towards the locking position. The binding also comprises an activation member rotatably attached to the housing for rotation around a transversal rotational axis of the binding. The locking member is provided with at least one outer portion shaped to allow a ski shoe pin to force the locking member from the locking position towards the open position at entry of the ski shoe pin into the first recess. The activation member is provided with an arm extending radially away from the transversal rotational axis of the activation member. The activation member and the locking member are operatively connected by means of mutually cooperating connection means configured such that at rotation of the arm in the first rotational direction through a predetermined lower operational range of the arm, the activation member forces the locking member from the locking position to the open position. The mutually cooperating connection means are also configured such that any movement of the arm caused by movement of the locking member from the locking position to the open position occurs only within the predetermined lower operational range of the arm. The binding is provided with a means for releasably holding the locking member in its open position at movement of the arm to a predetermined upper position outside the predetermined lower operational range of the arm.