Multi-mode Load Absorbing Ski Binding Response Tower
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ski bindings often experience unintended release or over-retention during high-intensity skiing, leading to unfinished runs or injuries due to inaccurate force thresholds, failing to effectively differentiate between normal and injurious forces.
Innovation Solution
A ski binding device with a binding response tower that allows selective vertical and lateral displacement of the boot relative to the ski, using spring-based counterforces to absorb forces within a control threshold before releasing, thereby reducing the risk of ACL injuries by providing a multimodal force absorption mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ski bindings use a single force threshold for release, then the binding structure is simple, but the release accuracy is poor leading to unintended release or over-retention
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system is segmented into multiple independent displacement assemblies (vertical displacement assembly with first spring, lateral displacement assembly with second spring) that operate in parallel. Each assembly monitors a specific direction of force and can independently trigger release, enabling multi-directional force detection without requiring a single complex threshold mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-dimensional force monitoring to multi-dimensional force monitoring by adding both vertical and lateral displacement assemblies. This dimensional expansion allows the binding to detect forces from multiple directions (vertical lifts and lateral twists) independently, improving release accuracy for complex injury scenarios like ACL injuries that involve multi-directional forces.
2Reliability
If the binding uses spring-based displacement assemblies for force absorption, then the force threshold differentiation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system incorporates dynamic displacement assemblies that allow controlled movement (vertical and lateral) before triggering release. The springs provide dynamic force absorption and release characteristics, enabling the system to differentiate between transient forces (normal skiing) and sustained injurious forces through the displacement-triggered release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement assemblies act as intermediaries between the boot forces and the release mechanism. Rather than directly transmitting forces to a single threshold sensor, the vertical and lateral displacement assemblies mediate the force transmission, converting multi-directional forces into discrete displacement events that trigger release when predetermined displacement thresholds are exceeded.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the binding allows multi-directional displacement (vertical and lateral), then ACL injury protection improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system applies local quality by providing specialized displacement protection for different anatomical directions. The vertical displacement assembly specifically addresses forces that cause boot-induced anterior drawer, while the lateral displacement assembly addresses forces causing valgus inward rotation. Each assembly is optimized for its specific directional protection need, allowing targeted ACL injury prevention.
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 device effectively reduces the likelihood of ACL and tibia injuries by absorbing forces through controlled displacement before releasing the boot, preventing premature or late release, thus enhancing safety during high-intensity skiing maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing counterforce may result from any suitable mechanical or fluidic driven force using at least one of coil springs, pneumatics, hydraulics, cantilever beam springs and cam-spring systems for achieving force displacement behavior. In particular configurations, constant force springs provide a leveling of the force curve to enhance controlled boot displacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A ski binding reduces a likelihood of injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the tibia is accomplished by absorption in the binding to limit loads transmitted through the boot-binding interface. Release based on an injury threshold includes a binding response tower attached to the ski and adapted for selective engagement with the ski, such that the binding response tower permits biased vertical and lateral horizontal displacement, prior to a release threshold. The binding is in communication with the boot heel and is adapted for slideable engagement in response to vertical and lateral forces exerted from the boot heel. The binding response tower adapted to disengage, or release upon reaching at least one a predetermined lateral displacement or a predetermined vertical displacement, such as when the boot heel is forced sufficiently sideways or upwards due to skier movement that would tend to cause an ACL injury.