Ski Binding Toe Piece Tension Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toe pieces for safety ski bindings experience significant sliding friction during release, which affects the release force, especially with lower spring preload, due to multiple components rubbing against each other.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates tension elements instead of pressure elements, with one tension element on each sole holder, arranged in an articulated manner, and a helical compression spring supported on the end regions remote from their articulation points, reducing friction by minimizing contact points and allowing for precise release forces even with lower spring preload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pressure elements (pistons) are used in the toe piece, then the binding can be released, but significant sliding friction occurs between the spring and pistons, between pistons and housing, and between sole holders and link paths, affecting release force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional pressure-based release mechanism by using tension elements (ropes, cables, or bands) instead of pistons. The tension elements are arranged in an articulated manner between sole holders, and when released, they swing outward under tension rather than being pushed inward by compressed springs, eliminating sliding friction between pressure elements and housing surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the piston components that cause sliding friction. By removing the piston-cylinder arrangement and replacing it with articulated tension elements, the harmful friction interfaces between moving pressure elements and stationary housing surfaces are completely removed from the system
2Ease of operation
If multiple components are used in the release mechanism, then the binding can be released, but the number of friction contact points increases, requiring higher spring preload to overcome friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate friction-prone components into a unified tension element system. The articulated tension elements connect multiple sole holders through a shared mechanical linkage, reducing the number of independent moving parts and their associated friction interfaces while maintaining the release function
3Device complexity
If a compact structure is desired, then components should be minimized, but reducing components may increase friction or affect release force definition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tension element system into multiple articulated sections that can be independently configured. Each tension element is articulated at specific points to create a segmented structure that minimizes friction contact while maintaining compact dimensions and defined release forces through geometric configuration rather than component quantity
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
This design significantly reduces sliding friction during release and allows for a defined release force with a compact structure, achieving low-friction operation and adjustable spring prestressing.
Implementation Method 1
a binding element in the form of a tension element (9, 10) which is acted upon by a helical compression spring (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The toe piece (1) of a safety ski binding comprises a housing (2) and two sole holders (4, 5) pivotable on the housing (2) about vertical axes (7). These sole holders interact with elements arranged transversely to the ski and acted upon by a helical compression spring (11) extending transversely to the ski and between the sole holders (4, 5). The elements acted upon by the helical compression spring (11) are tension elements (9, 10). One tension element (9) is pivotally connected to one sole holder (4), and the other tension element (10) is pivotally connected to the other sole holder (5). The vertical axes (7) of the sole holders (4, 5) are arranged in front of the pivot points of the tension elements (9, 10) with respect to the position of the toe piece (1) mounted on the ski.