Ski Binding Opening Element as Climbing Aid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski bindings for both downhill and touring are often complex, heavy, and inconvenient to use, particularly when transitioning between skiing and climbing modes, as they require laborious operation of separate climbing aids that can impede the actuation of the opening mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A ski binding design that integrates a pivotable opening element serving as both a binding opener and a climbing aid, which is adjustable to various positions, allowing the heel holder to move between closed and release positions with spring-assisted mobility, and uses a dual-function opening element to support the ski boot during pivoting, eliminating the need for a separate climbing aid mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate climbing aids are provided in existing ski bindings, then climbing functionality is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The opening element is designed to perform dual functions: serving as both the mechanism for opening the binding and as a climbing aid for steep terrain. This eliminates the need for separate climbing aids, reducing device complexity while maintaining climbing functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate climbing aids are provided in existing ski bindings, then climbing functionality is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening element serves dual purposes as both the binding opener and the climbing aid, eliminating redundant components and reducing overall binding weight while maintaining full climbing functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate climbing aids are provided in existing ski bindings, then climbing functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to laborious actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The opening element provides climbing functionality that is as easy to operate as the binding opening mechanism itself, eliminating the need for separate climbing aid operations and improving ease of use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate climbing aids are provided in existing ski bindings, then climbing functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to obstruction of opening mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The opening element performs both functions without creating interference between them, as the same component is used for both opening the binding and providing climbing assistance, eliminating obstruction issues.
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 lightweight, simple, and safe binding that is easy to operate, reducing weight and complexity by utilizing the opening element as both a binding opener and a climbing aid, ensuring seamless transitions between skiing and climbing without obstructing the opening mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The heel holder is preferably subjected to a spring force from at least one closing spring, so that it can only be moved against the spring force from the closed position towards the release position
Data Source
AI summary
The binding has an opening part (10) coupled with a heel holder (5) in a binding opening position so as to move the holder for opening the binding. A ski boot is tiltable in a condition held by a toe unit (1) around a drag axis that extends transverse to a longitudinal axis (L) and parallel to a lower surface of the binding in order to turn a heel-lateral end of the ski boot away from a ski. A climbing assistance is adjustable with the turned away ski boot in a climbing position in order to support the turned ski boot in a ski direction, where the part forms the climbing assistance.