Ski Binding Locking Tab Mechanism for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear ski touring binding devices face issues with wear and deterioration due to direct contact stresses between the heel piece and braking device, and complex mechanisms that can be blocked by snow or ice, hindering effective locking of the braking device in touring position.
Innovation Solution
A rear ski touring binding device featuring a movable locking pull tab with an elastic element, where the pull tab is held in a release position when the heel piece is in the downhill position and pushed into a locking position when in the hiking position, using a cam and spring mechanism to maintain the braking device in a folded position without requiring complex movements or direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct contact locking device is used between the heel piece and braking system, then the locking function is achieved, but wear and plastic deformations occur at the contact surfaces leading to deterioration and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
A cam-shaped element is introduced as an intermediary between the heel piece and the locking tab. This cam element transfers the rotational movement of the heel piece into linear movement of the locking tab without direct contact between the heel piece and braking system, thereby eliminating wear and plastic deformations at the contact surfaces while maintaining the locking function.
2Reliability
If a hook mechanism is used that rotates around an axis and requires rearward movement of the heel piece, then the braking device can be locked in touring position, but the mechanism becomes complex and prone to blockage by snow or ice
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a cam-shaped element on the heel piece, a locking tab on the base, and an elastic element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining reliability. The cam element converts rotational motion to linear motion of the locking tab without requiring complex rearward movement of the entire heel piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element provides self-service by automatically returning the locking tab to the locked position after the cam element pushes it forward during the transition to touring position. This eliminates the need for additional mechanisms to maintain the locked state, reducing complexity while ensuring reliable locking.
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 reliable and durable locking mechanism that maintains the braking device in the folded position, reducing wear and preventing blockages, thus enhancing the hiker's progress and extending the binding's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element configured to constrain the tab in the locked position
Implementation Method 2
the heel piece includes a cam and the pull tab includes a pin, the cam being configured to come into contact with the pin and push the pull tab into the release position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rear binding device (1) for touring skis, said rear binding device (1) comprising: ∘ a base (2), ∘ a heel piece (3) rotatably mounted about a pivot (31) between a downhill position and a touring position, ∘ a braking device (4) movable between a braking position and a folded position, ∘ a locking device (5) configured to hold the braking device (4) in the folded position, the locking device (5) comprising: ∘ a locking pull tab (7) movable on the base (2) between a locking position where said pull tab (7) locks the braking device (5) in the folded position and a release position where said pull tab (7) leaves the braking device (5) free, ∘ an elastic element (8) configured to constrain the pull tab (7) in the locking position,The heel piece (3) and the locking device (5) are configured together such that: ∘ when the heel piece (3) is in the downhill position, the pull tab (7) is held in the release position and the elastic element (8) is compressed, ∘ when the heel piece (3) is in the touring position, the pull tab (7) is released and the elastic element (8) pushes said pull tab (7) back into the locking position.