Ski Binding Stop Cam Mechanism for Consistent Clamping Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski bindings are not automatically compatible with different categories of ski boots, such as alpine and ski touring boots, without user adjustment, leading to inconsistent clamping forces and friction levels during lateral release.
Innovation Solution
A binding stop with a cam mechanism that controls the clamping force and reduces friction by maintaining a constant pressing force on the boot, regardless of the boot's dimensions or position, allowing for automatic compatibility with various boot categories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the binding is designed for a single category of boot, then the clamping force is consistent, but the adaptability to different boot categories is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable support plate that can be positioned at multiple heights relative to the toe piece body. This dynamic positioning allows the binding to adapt to different boot categories (alpine vs. ski touring boots) while maintaining consistent clamping force through the elastic means, which automatically adjusts to compensate for dimensional variations in boot interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the vertical position parameter of the support plate to accommodate different boot categories. By providing multiple predetermined positions, the binding can adjust its geometry to match different boot interface dimensions while maintaining reliable and consistent clamping force through the elastic compensation mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment mechanism is added to make the binding compatible with different boot categories, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic compatibility through a self-adjusting mechanism. The movable support plate with multiple predetermined positions can be selectively engaged without user intervention, and the elastic means automatically compensates for dimensional variations. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment mechanisms while achieving adaptability across different boot categories
Solution Approach 2:
The toe piece is designed with multiple predetermined positions for the support plate, making it universally compatible with different boot categories (alpine and ski touring boots). This multi-functional design allows a single binding device to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms for each boot type
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support plate is made movable to accommodate different boot dimensions, then the adaptability improves, but the friction during lateral release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic means as an intermediary between the movable support plate and the toe piece body. This elastic element acts as a mediator that maintains consistent clamping force while accommodating the movement of the support plate, thereby preventing excessive friction during lateral release that would otherwise occur with a purely mechanical movable connection
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 ensures reliable and safe lateral release by maintaining consistent clamping forces and friction levels across different boot types, enhancing user safety and convenience by eliminating the need for user adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a cam (153, 154) arranged between said second elastic means (151) and said chassis (11), said cam (153, 154) being shaped to vary the direction in which said return force (Fr1) is exerted
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a stop (1) for a boot (2) binding on a snowboard (3) comprising: - a frame (11) having a lower face (111) configured to be integral with the snowboard (3), - a body (12) movably mounted on the frame (11), - a sole clamp (13) movably mounted on the body (12) and adapted to come into contact with an upper surface (211) and at least one lateral portion (212) of a front or rear portion of the boot (2) when the boot (2) is engaged with the binding, - a lateral release mechanism (14) comprising at least one first elastic means (141) acting on the sole clamp (13) to return it to an engagement configuration with the boot (2), - a vertical retention mechanism (15) comprising a second elastic means (151), separate from the first elastic means (141), arranged to continuously exert a restoring force (Fr1a,Fr1b) on the body (12) to return the sole clamp (13) towards the lower face (111) of the frame (11), this return force producing a clamping force (Fp) of the sole clamp (13) on the shoe (2) when the shoe (2) is engaged with the binding, characterized in that the stop (1) comprises at least one cam (153, 154), kinematically interposed between the second elastic means (151) and one of the frame (11) and the body (12), the cam (153, 154) being shaped to modify, depending on the position of the body (12) relative to the frame (11), the direction of the return force (Fr1a, Fr1b) exerted by the second elastic means (151) on the body (12) so as to mitigate a variation in the clamping force (Fp) when the sole clamp (13) is moved away from the lower face (111) of the chassis (11).,