Ski Binding Adjustment via RFID User Parameter Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for adjusting ski bindings require human expertise and are time-consuming, making them inefficient for rental shops and customers, as they need manual adjustment by a skilled professional, which is not feasible for rapid and reliable configuration, especially in rental settings or when multiple skiers share equipment.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using digital processing devices to adjust ski bindings automatically by reading user parameters from RFID chips or QR codes, controlling actuators to adjust the binding's triggering mechanism and positioning, allowing for rapid, reliable, and error-free configuration without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual adjustment by a skilled professional is used, then the binding adjustment is reliable and accurate, but the adjustment time is too long and incompatible with rental shop profitability requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding adjustment reliabilityVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The binding adjustment system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment operations. The measurement device automatically measures boot parameters, and the adjustment device automatically adjusts binding parameters based on the measured data, eliminating the need for manual intervention by skilled professionals while maintaining adjustment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated system combining measurement devices, digital processing devices, and adjustment devices. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated electromechanical systems resolves the contradiction between reliability and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated adjustment is implemented, then the adjustment time is reduced and productivity increases, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated adjustment system is divided into distinct functional modules: a measurement device for capturing boot parameters, a digital processing device for calculating binding parameters, and an adjustment device for executing the adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, managing overall system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The digital processing device acts as an intermediary between the measurement device and the adjustment device. It receives measurement data, processes it according to predetermined rules, and generates adjustment parameters that guide the adjustment device, thereby coordinating the automated process while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If expert knowledge is required for adjustment, then the adjustment quality is high, but the ease of operation decreases and accessibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment operations. The measurement device automatically measures boot parameters, and the adjustment device automatically adjusts binding parameters based on the measured data, eliminating the need for manual intervention by skilled professionals while maintaining adjustment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated system combining measurement devices, digital processing devices, and adjustment devices. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated electromechanical systems resolves the contradiction between reliability and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3609589B1Ski binding adjustment process
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 SALOMON SA
  • EP3609589B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3609589B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3609589B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention concerns the field of adjusting a binding (2) for securing a shoe (4) to a sliding device (3). More particularly, the invention concerns a method and system for adjusting the binding (2) of a binding/shoe/sliding device assembly. The method comprises the following steps, carried out using a digital processing device: - retrieving 1050 at least one parameter relating to a user, by reading an RFID chip or a graphical representation, - processing 1100 at least said at least one parameter relating to the user, in order to deduce therefrom at least one parameter for adjusting the binding, and - carrying out 1200 at least one action to adjust the binding according to said at least one adjustment parameter. The method thus makes it possible to relieve the skier of some of the operations involved in adjusting a binding of a binding/shoe/sliding device assembly.