Ski Binding Pivot Mechanism for Adjustable Jaw Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alpine ski binding systems are not compatible with ski touring boots due to dimensional differences, limiting the ability to use the same equipment for both alpine skiing and ski touring.
Innovation Solution
A binding system with a pivot mechanism that allows for adjustable jaw height, enabling adaptation to both alpine and hiking boots by rotating stop elements to different angular positions, allowing for increased vertical travel of the jaw for various boot profiles and sole heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the binding system is designed for alpine ski boots with standardized 20mm curb height, then the binding provides reliable safety and secure engagement for alpine skiing, but it cannot accommodate touring boots with 30mm sidewalk height
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw is made dynamically adjustable through a pivot mechanism that allows rotation between at least two angular positions. This enables the jaw to adapt its vertical position and stroke amplitude dynamically, accommodating both alpine boots (20mm curb) and touring boots (30mm sidewalk) while maintaining secure engagement and safety for each boot type
Solution Approach 2:
The binding system changes key geometric parameters of the jaw through pivot rotation. The pivot mechanism alters the jaw's vertical position, stroke amplitude, and engagement geometry. By rotating the pivot to different angular positions, the system adjusts these parameters to match the specific requirements of different boot types, maintaining reliability across variations
2Device complexity
If the jaw height is fixed to accommodate alpine boots, then the binding system maintains simple structure and reliable performance, but it requires complete equipment change to practice ski touring
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating entirely separate fixed systems for alpine and touring, the invention introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism (pivot with multiple angular positions) that allows the same binding structure to adapt to different boot types. This maintains relative structural simplicity while enabling multi-purpose use through controlled movement and reconfiguration
3Adaptability or versatility
If the binding system allows adjustment for different boot types, then versatility is improved, but the adjustment mechanism increases structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism provides the necessary adaptability through a controlled dynamic element rather than multiple separate components. The single pivot with defined angular positions offers a relatively simple adjustment mechanism compared to alternative solutions, enabling compatibility with both alpine and touring boots while minimizing the increase in structural complexity
4Reliability
If the jaw stroke is limited for safety in alpine skiing, then reliable engagement is maintained, but touring boots with higher sidewalks cannot be properly accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism dynamically adjusts the jaw's stroke amplitude based on the boot type. For alpine boots, the pivot position maintains the limited stroke necessary for secure engagement and safety. For touring boots, rotating the pivot to a different angular position increases the vertical stroke amplitude to accommodate the higher 30mm sidewalk, while still maintaining reliable engagement through the adjusted geometry
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
Enables skiers to use the same binding system for both alpine skiing and ski touring without compromising safety, allowing for precise and easy manual adjustment to accommodate different boot types, eliminating the need for a total equipment change.
Implementation Method 1
said stop elements taking, by rotation of the pivot on itself, same, distinct angular positions corresponding to strokes of said jaw of amplitudes, respectively, short and long in the vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
When putting on the shoe, the tip of the shoe is housed in forced support in the jaw, causing it to rise slightly by pulling on the tie rod and precompression of the spring
Implementation Method 3
a body provided with a movable jaw intended to come into engagement with the front part of a shoe while being supported by a substantially vertical pivot articulated on a longitudinal tie rod
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The abutment has a base plate (E) and a body (C) that is equipped with a jaw (1) that is movable so as to come into engagement with a curb of a shoe while being supported by a pivot (2) that is approximately vertically articulated against a longitudinal tie rod (L) cooperating with a return spring (R). The pivot carries two stop elements such as spacer (3), cooperating with an internal stop wall (4) placed on the body. The pivot is able to adopt two distinct angular positions by rotation corresponding to vertical plays of the jaw with respectively short and long amplitudes. An independent claim is also included for a binding system.