Ski Binding Toe Unit With Centralized Biasing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alpine ski touring bindings face challenges in energy absorption between closed and open positions, difficulty in step-in procedures, and sustainability due to complex construction and assembly, particularly in pin binding systems with integrated biasing elements and riveted pivots.
Innovation Solution
A ski binding toe unit design featuring a single central biasing element that remains horizontally oriented, housed within the mode lever, and using threaded pivots with opposing thread orientations to prevent loosening, allowing for easier assembly, disassembly, and increased energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple biasing elements are integrated into the jaws, then the grasping force is sufficient, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple biasing elements into a single centralized biasing element that acts on both jaws simultaneously. This single element is positioned to provide biasing force to both the left and right jaws, reducing the total number of biasing elements from multiple to one while maintaining sufficient grasping force through mechanical advantage and force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The single centralized biasing element serves multiple functions: it provides biasing force to both jaws, acts as a structural support element, and serves as a mounting point for other components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the binding system while maintaining the necessary grasping capability.
2Reliability
If riveted pivots are used for durability, then the binding is reliable, but assembly and disassembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pivot system into separate, interchangeable components with threaded connections rather than permanent riveted joints. This allows the pivots to be easily assembled and disassembled by screwing and unscrewing, while the threaded design with proper fit and finish maintains the reliability and durability needed for repeated use.
3Measurement precision
If a narrow trigger point is used, then the binding is precise, but the step-in procedure becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a wide platform that extends forward of the trigger point to provide preliminary support and alignment guidance during the step-in procedure. This wide platform allows the user to position the footwear toe correctly before engaging the narrower trigger point, making the step-in process easier while maintaining precise engagement at the trigger point itself.
4Reliability
If complex construction is used for performance, then the binding performs well, but sustainability and recycling become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the binding into modular, separable components connected by threaded pivots rather than permanent bonds. This segmentation allows each component to be easily removed and separated for recycling or replacement, reducing environmental impact while maintaining the performance benefits of the complex mechanical design through proper component selection and arrangement.
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 simplifies the step-in process, enhances energy absorption, and improves sustainability by reducing components, weight, and facilitating recycling, with a wider step-in platform and adjustable leverage for improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
There are biasing elements (typically coiled compression springs) in most pin bindings that are incorporated into the jaws, and thus rotate therewith about the pivot points of the jaws, to provide the grasping force exerted by the closure thereof onto the ski boot.
Data Source
AI summary
A pin binding toe unit for holding a footwear toe to a snow travel aid has a pair of pivotal jaws with respective teeth for engaging concavities in sides of the footwear toe, and a biasing element operable to bias the jaws into open and closed positions. In contrast to conventional incorporation of multiple biasing elements into the jaws, the biasing element is instead uniquely housed in the mode lever by which the jaws are openable and closeable, and in this housed relation to the mode lever, the biasing element is constrained to a uniform horizontal orientation through the full range of jaw motion. The assembly is simplified, torque leverage on the jaws is advantageously varied within the range of the jaw motion for improved energy absorption, and the trigger of the mode lever is uniquely widened for easier user step-in. Threaded pivots enable disassembly of components for service and end-of-life recycling, with the two threaded jaw pivots being characterized by opposing thread directionality or opposing insertion orientation for self-prevented loosening of the threaded jaw pivots over repeated open-close cycles.