Ski Binding Toe-Piece With Rotatable Jaws For Uphill Walking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ski bindings are not suitable for both downhill and uphill skiing, as they either lack the necessary adaptability or are too different from downhill ski bindings, preventing skiers from taking on routes with both downhill and uphill sections.

Innovation Solution

A modified toe-piece for ski bindings that allows for both downhill skiing and uphill walking by incorporating rotatable supports and jaws with elastic means, enabling the binding to adjust its configuration to accommodate the ski boot for different terrain types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a toe-piece of a downhill ski binding is used, then downhill skiing performance is optimized, but uphill walking capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The toe-piece incorporates rotatable supports that can change orientation between downhill and uphill positions, and movable jaws that can adapt their position to accommodate ski boot engagement for different terrain types, enabling a single binding to dynamically adapt between downhill skiing and uphill walking modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The toe-piece is designed with multiple functional capabilities within a single structure, allowing it to perform both downhill skiing engagement and uphill walking support functions, eliminating the need for separate bindings for different terrain conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a toe-piece of a ski mountaineering binding is used, then uphill walking capability is enabled, but downhill skiing performance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidbinding reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The toe-piece uses rotatable supports and movable jaws that can dynamically adjust their configuration based on the intended use mode, ensuring that when engaged for downhill skiing, the binding provides reliable and responsive performance, while maintaining uphill walking capability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the first jaw and second jaw both abut the tip of the ski boot during normal use, then secure engagement is achieved, but the ability to walk uphill is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement strengthVSAvoidmode versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The jaws are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to change their abutting position and orientation. During downhill skiing, both jaws engage the ski boot tip securely, while during uphill walking, the jaws can be repositioned or disengaged to allow boot removal and walking motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The toe-piece is divided into independent functional elements including rotatable supports and movable jaws, allowing each component to independently adjust its position and function, enabling the system to transition between secure downhill engagement and flexible uphill walking modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables skiers to seamlessly transition between downhill skiing and uphill walking by adjusting the binding's configuration, ensuring safety and ease of use on varied routes.

Implementation Method 1

first elastic means which are borne by the base; a first clamping member which is borne by the base, which is rotatable with respect to a first rotation axis and which is provided with a first jaw... can elastically retract with respect to the first abutting position, by rotating with respect to the first rotation axis, if solicited by the tip of the ski boot opposing the action of the first elastic means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4275770B1An adapted toe-piece of a ski binding for also allowing walking uphill

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 ATK SPORTS SRL

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AI summary

The invention relates to an adapted toe-piece of a ski binding (1) for also allowing walking uphill, comprising: a first clamping member (21) which is rotatable and which is provided with a first jaw (31); a second clamping member (22) which is rotatable and which is provided with a second jaw (32); a first rotatable support (61) which rotatably bears the first clamping member (21) and which is in turn rotatable; a second rotatable support (62) which rotatably bears the second clamping member (22) and which is in turn rotatable. In the ski descent configuration (D), the first jaw (31) and the second jaw (32) can elastically retract if solicited by the tip (3) of the ski boot. The first clamping member (21) is also provided with a third jaw (33) and the third jaw (33) is provided with a first pin (51); the second clamping member (22) is also provided with a fourth jaw (34) and the fourth jaw (33) is provided with a second pin (52). The toe-piece of a ski binding (1) also comprises locking means (10) which when the tip (3) of the ski boot is between the third jaw (33) and the fourth jaw (34), the blocking means are activatable to block the third jaw (33) and the fourth jaw (34) in angular blocking positions in which the first pin (51) is inserted in the first hole of the ski boot and the second pin (52) is inserted in the second hole of the ski boot, making walking uphill possible.