Ski Binding Turret and Brake Linkage for Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ski mountaineering bindings require complex operations to switch between downhill skiing and uphill walking, involving multiple steps to engage and disengage the brake mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A rear portion of the ski mountaineering binding featuring a rotatable turret that simplifies operations by allowing the user to switch between downhill and uphill modes with a single turret position change, utilizing elastic means and a connecting element to automatically adjust the brake configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the brake mechanism requires multiple steps to engage and disengage, then the brake can be reliably controlled, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The turret is pre-configured with two fixed positions (first position for downhill skiing, second position for uphill walking) that automatically predispose the brake mechanism to the appropriate configuration. When the user rotates the turret to switch modes, the brake is already positioned correctly through preliminary setup, eliminating the need for separate manual brake adjustment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static brake mechanism to a dynamic one where the brake configuration automatically changes in response to turret rotation. The connecting element links the turret's rotational movement to the brake's positional change, creating a dynamic system that adapts the brake state based on the selected operating mode without requiring separate control actions.
2Reliability
If multiple steps are required to switch between downhill and uphill modes, then the brake mechanism can be precisely controlled, but the time required for mode switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the turret rotation operation with the brake configuration change into a single integrated action. By linking the turret and brake through the connecting element, the user performs only one operation (rotating the turret) to achieve both mode selection and brake positioning, eliminating the need for separate sequential steps and reducing total switching time.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism is pre-positioned based on the turret's selected position before the user completes the mode switching operation. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the user rotates the turret to switch modes, the brake is already in the correct configuration, minimizing the time required for the complete mode transition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the turret and brake are independently controlled, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turret serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mode selection mechanism (first position for downhill, second position for uphill) and the control element that indirectly operates the brake through the connecting element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate independent control mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary that links the turret and brake together, allowing the turret's rotational position to automatically determine the brake's configuration. This intermediary mechanism enables coordinated control of both components through a single input (turret rotation) without requiring complex independent control systems for each component.
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
Simplifies user operations by allowing the ski mountaineering binding to be easily set for descent or ascent with a single turret rotation, reducing the number of steps required to switch between modes and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
first elastic means which are arranged in order to exert a force which tends to bring the brake into the braked configuration
Implementation Method 2
second elastic means interposed between the base and the hooking member, in order to exert a force which tends to push the hooking member into the engaged configuration
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
A rear portion of a ski mountaineering binding (1), wherein it comprises: a base (2); it comprises a turret (3) which is rotatable with respect to the base (2) in order to assume a first position of the turret (3A), and a second position of the turret (3B); a brake (5) which is able to assume a braked configuration (5A) and a non-active configuration (5B); first elastic means which are arranged in order to exert a force which tends to bring the brake (5) into the braked configuration (5A); transmission means (6), for example at least a pulley (16, 17, 18); a connecting element (7), for example a wire, which engages on the transmission means (6) and which connects the brake (5) and the turret (3) to one another; recovery and release means (8), for example a winding element, which are configured: so as to recover a portion of connecting element (7) when the turret (3) is rotated into the second position of the turret (3B), with the consequence that the brake (5) is brought, via the connecting element (7), into the non-active configuration (5B); so as to release the portion of connecting element (7) which has been previously recovered when the turret (3) is rotated into the first position of the turret (3A), with the consequence that the brake (5) can reach the braked configuration (5A) due to the action exerted by the first elastic means.