Ski Binding Toe-Piece Torsion Spring Torque Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski binding toe-pieces for ski mountaineering are too large and heavy, which affects their performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates smaller and lighter elastic means that generate a high rotation torque on the activating lever, allowing the first and second pins to be brought closer together, thus reducing the size and weight of the ski binding toe-piece while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional elastic means are used in the ski binding toe-piece, then sufficient torque and reliability are achieved, but the device becomes larger and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the elastic element, specifically using a torsion spring with optimized lever arms and rotation radius. The spring has a first lever arm connected to the activating lever and a second lever arm connected to the mobile member, with the rotation radius being optimized to generate sufficient torque while minimizing the size and weight of the elastic means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the linear motion of the mobile member along the base into rotational motion of the activating lever through the torsion spring mechanism. This dimensional transformation allows the elastic energy to be stored and released more efficiently, generating high torque in a compact rotational space rather than requiring a larger linear compression space
2Reliability
If traditional elastic means are used in the ski binding toe-piece, then sufficient torque and reliability are achieved, but the device becomes larger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters including the rotation radius of the torsion spring and the lengths of the lever arms. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves the required torque output in a more compact configuration, reducing the overall volume of the toe-piece
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism converts linear displacement into rotational motion, utilizing the torsion spring's rotational degrees of freedom. This allows the elastic energy storage and torque generation to occur in a three-dimensional rotational space rather than requiring a larger linear space, effectively reducing the volume occupied by the elastic means
3Weight of moving object
If smaller elastic means are used to reduce size and weight, then compactness is improved, but torque generation capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully balances the parameters of the torsion spring, including its rotation radius and lever arm lengths. By optimizing these parameters, the design achieves the required torque output from a smaller, lighter elastic element, resolving the trade-off between size/weight and force generation
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational mechanism allows the smaller elastic means to generate high torque through lever arm multiplication. The torsion spring's rotational motion with optimized lever arms provides mechanical advantage, enabling compact elastic elements to produce the necessary torque for activating the binding release function
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 solution results in a lighter and more compact ski binding toe-piece that maintains the same level of torque and functionality as larger models, enhancing user experience and performance.
Implementation Method 1
first elastic means (31) arranged to press against the abutment wall (5) to generate a rotation torque on the activating lever (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~10
Figure 11~14
AI summary
A toe-piece of a ski binding (1) for ski mountaineering is disclosed, comprising: a base (2); a first jaw (11) rotatably coupled with the base (2); a second jaw (12) rotatably coupled with the base (2); a first pin (21) borne by the first jaw (11); a second pin (22) borne by the second jaw (12); an activating lever (3) rotatably coupled to the base (2) and connected to the first jaw (11) and the second jaw (12) so that, upon rotation of the activating lever (3) in a first rotation direction (A1), the first pin (21) and the second pin (22) move toward one another; a mobile member (4) borne by the base (2) and movable along the base (2); an abutment wall (5) solidly constrained to the mobile member (4); coupling means (13, 14), such as a gear or a cable, for coupling the activating lever (3) and the mobile member (4) to one another in such a way as to transform the rotary motion of the activating lever (3) into a translating motion of the mobile member (4) and vice versa; first elastic means (31) arranged to press against the abutment wall (5) to generate a torque on the activating lever (3) which tends to move the first pin (21) and the second pin (22) toward one another.