Ski Binding Screw Adjustment via Inverted Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski boot binding devices face challenges in ease of assembly and maintenance, user-friendliness, and security due to complex assembly methods and potential for accidental ejection of components under spring force.
Innovation Solution
A ski boot binding device with a tubular body and external opening for assembly and adjustment, featuring a drive element with a screw and stop that allows for easy adjustment and secure locking, preventing accidental ejection of components through a blocking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the assembly is done by mounting elements through the upper opening of the tubular body, then the assembly process is simplified, but the adjustment screw becomes difficult to access and the device lacks security against component ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting approach by assembling elements through the lower opening instead of the upper opening. The lower opening serves as the assembly access point, while the upper opening is sealed with a closing element that also provides tool access for adjustment. This inversion resolves the contradiction by making assembly simple through the lower opening while maintaining adjustment accessibility through the closing element at the upper opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element acts as an intermediary component that serves dual functions: it seals the upper opening to prevent component ejection and provides a tool access opening for adjusting the screw. This intermediary element resolves the security and accessibility contradiction by mediating between the need for a sealed upper opening and the need for adjustment access.
2Ease of manufacture
If the adjustment screw is held in position by its thread with a cooperating element, then the assembly is simplified, but the screw can be violently ejected if the thread breaks under spring force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a blocking mechanism that prevents the screw from being ejected before it can cause harm. The closing element with its tool access opening and the lower opening work together to constrain the screw, preventing violent ejection even if the thread breaks under spring force. This preliminary protective measure resolves the reliability concern while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Strength
If the screw is driven into the tubular body with strong spring compression, then the binding function is achieved, but the screw displacement makes adjustment difficult and delicate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the adjustment access location from the upper opening to the closing element at the upper opening, while assembly is performed through the lower opening. This allows the screw to be securely positioned under spring compression while maintaining easy adjustment accessibility through the closing element's tool access opening, resolving the contradiction between strong spring compression and ease of adjustment.
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 provides a user-friendly, secure, and easily maintainable solution by allowing easy adjustment and assembly through an external opening, while preventing accidental ejection of components under spring force, enhancing safety and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring resting on a stop whose position is adjustable by a screw
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The device has a spring (13) supported on a stop (15), and a tubular body comprising an external opening located opposite to a jaw (11a). The opening has a blocking unit constituted of a cover and a screw (22) of a driving unit (26). A screw (16) is displaced in the longitudinal direction of the body and cooperates with the driving unit. The driving unit is movable in rotation with respect to the body such that a rotation of the driving unit leads to a rotation and longitudinal displacement of the screw (16). An independent claim is also included for a method for assembling and disassembling a ski boot fixation device.