Ski Binding Toe Piece Height Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toe pieces for touring ski bindings face issues with reliable engagement due to manufacturing tolerances and wear, requiring manual adjustment to ensure correct height positioning of the ski boot for secure closure.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable stop on the toe piece and a support element on the ski boot allow for compensation of positional inaccuracies, ensuring correct alignment and easy, reliable closure by supporting the ski boot at the correct height during the engagement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bearing elements are designed to engage with counter-bearing elements of the ski boot, then the ski boot can be securely mounted for pivoting, but manufacturing tolerances and wear cause positional inaccuracies that prevent reliable engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a height-adjustable stop that changes the vertical position parameter of the ski boot relative to the ski. This adjustment compensates for manufacturing tolerances and wear, ensuring that the counter-bearing elements of the boot align correctly with the bearing elements of the toe piece, thereby resolving the engagement reliability issue caused by positional inaccuracies.
2Reliability
If the clamping bracket is pressed down manually to ensure correct height positioning, then engagement reliability improves, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-positioning mechanism where the height-adjustable stop automatically supports the ski boot at the correct height during the closing process. When the user steps into the binding, the boot naturally rests on the stop, which maintains the proper vertical position without requiring manual intervention to hold the boot, thereby simplifying the operation while ensuring reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop is pre-adjusted to the correct height before the user attempts to enter the binding. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the user steps in, the boot is already at the appropriate height for engagement, eliminating the need for manual height adjustment during the closing process and making the operation easier and faster.
3Reliability
If the bearing elements are positioned closer together for secure engagement, then mounting reliability improves, but the ski boot cannot be easily inserted or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic closing mechanism where the bearing elements are held in a spaced-apart position during entry to facilitate easy insertion of the ski boot. Upon closing, the mechanism transitions to a locked position where the bearing elements move closer together under the influence of the closing force, securing the boot reliably. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to satisfy both ease of entry and mounting security requirements at different stages of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The front clamp comprises two lateral support elements (35a,35b), and lateral counter support elements (68) of a ski shoe (64) to take into engagement to hold the ski shoe pivotally around the ski transverse axis (Q). The support elements are movable between a closing position and an opening position, such that the ski shoe is inserted between the support elements. A positioning unit is provided, which has a body stop (57) at which a ski shoe is supported corresponding to the height over the ski. An independent claim is also included for a ski shoe for touring ski binding.