Cross-Country Ski Binding With Central Transverse Slide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cross-country ski binding devices face issues with weight addition, elevated profile, and operational clearances that affect performance and steering precision, with potential detachment during forceful events like falls.

Innovation Solution

A ski-binding device assembly featuring a central transverse slide with a clamping mechanism that presses the binding device against the ski's upper face, eliminating vertical play and ensuring direct force transmission while minimizing weight and clearances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the binding device is mounted on an interface element (slide, plate, or rail) secured to the ski, then assembly/disassembly possibilities and longitudinal position adjustment are improved, but weight increases, the binding device is raised, and operating clearances are created that reduce steering precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly/disassembly possibilities and longitudinal position adjustmentVSAvoidsteering precision and direct force transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The binding device is divided into two functional parts: a movable binding unit that can slide longitudinally on the ski for position adjustment, and a separate clamping mechanism that presses the binding unit against the ski to eliminate clearances. This segmentation allows the device to achieve both adjustability and precision without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Weight of moving object

If the binding device is screwed directly into the ski, then weight is reduced and direct force transmission is improved, but assembly/disassembly possibilities and longitudinal position adjustment are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall assembly weightVSAvoidassembly/disassembly possibilities and longitudinal position adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The binding device transitions from a static fixed position (direct screwing) to a dynamic adjustable position system. The binding unit can slide along the ski's longitudinal axis to different positions, then be clamped securely in place. This dynamic capability provides multiple mounting positions while maintaining a lightweight construction similar to direct screwing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If operating clearances are present between the binding device and ski, then assembly ease is improved, but steering precision is reduced due to parasitic movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidsteering precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is designed to eliminate operating clearances after the binding unit is positioned on the ski. The clamping action pre-compresses the binding device against the ski surface, removing any parasitic movements or play that would affect steering precision, while still allowing easy assembly through the sliding mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1797931B1Cross-country ski and skibinding device therefor

Publication Date: 2010.03.17 SALOMON SA

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AI summary

The assembly has a ski (11) comprising an upper side (32) intended to receive a fixation device (12) that is provided for holding a shoe on the ski. The fixation device has an anchorage device comprising a locking unit that permits to plate the fixation device against the upper side. The anchorage device has a slide (70) transversally arranged at center of the ski and presenting a width lesser than the width of the ski.