Ski Binding Support Plate Height Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support plates for ski bindings face challenges such as limited adjustability, inaccuracy due to play in the adjustment mechanism, and inadequate resistance to deformation during strong edge grips.
Innovation Solution
A support plate with a base fixed to a ski, featuring a pedal that rotates to adjust the skate's height, driven by a translational movement of a slider along the ski's longitudinal axis. This design allows for independent adjustment of the support plate height without requiring association with the front toe piece, and it includes a cardan joint for adjusting the height even when the boot is in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cam surface and ramp system is used for support plate height adjustment, then the support plate height can be adjusted, but play is generated in the mechanism resulting in inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cam surface and ramp mechanical system with a screw-threaded adjustment mechanism. The screw (51) engages with a threaded hole (49) in the slider, converting rotational movement into precise linear displacement of the pedal (3). This substitution eliminates the play and inaccuracy inherent in cam-ramp systems, providing reliable and accurate height adjustment even under strong edge grip conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the adjustment mechanism is associated with the front toe piece, then the support plate height can be adjusted, but the system becomes complex and requires lower passage in the toe piece frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the height adjustment mechanism from the front toe piece assembly and integrates it directly into the support plate (base 1). The slider (4) with ramps (464, 465) and the pedal (3) are mounted on the base itself, allowing adjustment to be performed independently of the toe piece. This simplifies the overall binding structure by eliminating the need for lower passages in the toe piece frame and decoupling the adjustment function from the front stop assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single adjustment position is provided, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different boot types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous dynamic adjustment mechanism where the pedal (3) can be positioned at any height along its rotational range, rather than providing fixed discrete positions. The slider (4) with its ramps (464, 465) allows smooth, continuous variation of the pedal angle, enabling the support plate to adapt to different boot types and sole thicknesses. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility without requiring multiple separate adjustment mechanisms.
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 provides a height-adjustable support plate that is independent of the front stop, allowing for precise adjustment even with the boot in place, and offers improved resistance to deformations caused by excessive edge grip, resulting in enhanced stability and accuracy for the skier.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustment means also comprise an adjustment screw head integral in rotation with said adjustment screw body via a cardan joint
Implementation Method 2
said left lateral portion, respectively said right lateral portion, being equipped with a left ramp, respectively a right ramp
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Support plate comprising a base (1) intended to be fixed to a ski and a skate (2) capable of coming into contact with a boot held in a device for fixing said boot to the ski, said skate being integral with a pedal (3) rotatably fixed to said base so as to vary the vertical elevation of said skate, the rotary movement of said pedal being generated by a translational movement of a slider (4) along a longitudinal axis of the ski; said slider comprises a left front slider (42), a right front slider (43), a left rear slider (44) and a right rear slider (45) and in that the base comprises a left front guide (152), a right front guide (153), a left rear guide (154) and a right rear guide (155), provided to cooperate respectively with said left and right front sliders and said left and right rear sliders.