Ski Binding Climbing Wedge Segmentation for Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski binding retainer systems for ski touring are prone to failure when the actuating lever breaks, and the lever is not optimally designed for both heel blocking and climbing wedge functions, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The design separates the climbing wedge from the actuating lever, allowing the system to remain functional for descending even if the wedge breaks, and incorporates a mechanism with a cam and spring to hold the wedges in stable positions, enabling efficient adaptation for both downhill and uphill skiing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the climbing wedge is integrated into the actuating lever, then the structure is simpler, but the reliability decreases because breakage of the wedge causes complete failure of the fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing wedge is separated from the actuating lever into an independent replaceable component. This segmentation allows the wedge to be replaced if broken, while the actuating lever remains functional, thus resolving the reliability issue without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The climbing wedge is designed as a consumable part that can be discarded when broken and recovered/replaced independently. This allows the main actuating lever mechanism to be preserved and continue functioning for heel blocking, eliminating the complete failure mode.
2Device complexity
If the actuating lever is used for both heel blocking and climbing wedge functions, then the device is more compact, but the ease of operation decreases because the lever is not optimal for both functions
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the climbing wedge from the actuating lever, each component can be optimized for its specific function. The actuating lever is optimized for heel blocking operations, while the climbing wedge is optimized for climbing operations, significantly improving ease of operation for both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each component is designed with local qualities optimized for its specific function. The actuating lever has properties optimized for blocking, while the climbing wedge has properties optimized for climbing, allowing both to perform their respective functions efficiently.
3Device complexity
If a single jaw structure is used for both blocking and climbing, then the device is simpler, but the adaptability decreases because it cannot be optimally adapted to different functions
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing wedge is segmented as a separate component that can be independently configured and optimized for different climbing conditions, while the jaw structure remains simple for blocking functions. This provides adaptability for various climbing scenarios without complicating the basic blocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality through the combination of a simple blocking jaw and a separate climbing wedge that can be configured for different climbing needs. The separate wedge provides adaptability for various climbing conditions while the jaw handles blocking, creating a universal solution for both downhill and uphill skiing.
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 design enhances the reliability and safety of the ski binding by allowing continued use of the actuating lever for descending and optimizes the wedges' functionality for different skiing conditions, ensuring secure attachment and easy handling.
Implementation Method 1
a spring in an unfolded state, in which the spring bears against the blocking element
Implementation Method 2
The first climbing wedge pivots around a transverse tilting axis, distinct from the transverse axis of rotation of the jaw
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device has a jaw (20) for holding a heel of a ski shoe, where the jaw pivots about a rotation axis (A) provided transverse to a gliding device. The jaw is arranged with an actuation lever (30). A heel lift wedge (41) is able to switch between an operative position (PA1) in which the wedge rests on the jaw to form a lower stop, and a passive position in which the wedge does not interfere with vertical movement of the heel. The wedge is arranged separate from the actuation lever. An independent claim is also included for a shoe fastener.