Ski Boot Base Alignment via Protrusion and Cavity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ski boot bases face challenges in precisely attaching outsole elements to the sole, leading to misalignment and reduced performance, as boot makers struggle to accurately position these elements for correct orientation with ski bindings.
Innovation Solution
The base features projections on the outsole elements that locate into holes or cavities on the sole, ensuring precise alignment, with a fiber-reinforced composite structure and releasable fasteners for secure attachment, allowing for correct orientation and easy detachment for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If outsole elements are bonded to a previously formed sole using conventional methods, then the base can be manufactured, but precise alignment of outsole elements with the sole is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates alignment features (protrusions on the sole, recesses on the outsole element) during the manufacturing process. The protrusions are formed on the sole at predetermined positions before the outsole element is attached, and the recesses are formed on the outsole element to receive these protrusions. This preliminary preparation of alignment features ensures precise positioning without requiring complex manual measurement and adjustment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features act as intermediary elements between the sole and the outsole element. The protrusions and recesses engage with each other to provide a mechanical interface that automatically positions the outsole element correctly relative to the sole, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning and bonding operations.
2Strength
If outsole elements are securely bonded to the sole, then the base provides strength and stability, but alignment misalignment can occur during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment features (protrusions and recesses) are prepared in advance during sole and outsole element manufacturing. The protrusions are molded or machined onto the sole at exact predetermined positions, and corresponding recesses are prepared on the outsole element. This preliminary precision work ensures that when the components are assembled, the outsole element automatically aligns correctly with the sole, maintaining both strength and positioning accuracy.
3Strength
If the base is made rigid for strength and torsional stiffness, then it provides structural integrity, but flexibility for walking and skiing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base is constructed with different regions having different stiffness characteristics. The forward end region (including the toe outsole element and additional outsole element with rigid bar) is designed to be more rigid to provide strength for binding attachment and torsional stiffness. The heel portion and mid-section are designed with appropriate flexibility to accommodate natural foot movement during walking and skiing. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the base to simultaneously provide structural integrity and operational flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A base (1) for a ski boot (2) comprising a sole (4) made from a fiber-reinforced composite structure and an outsole element (10) that is detachably connected to a structural portion of the sole (4) by at least one fastener (12) that locates in a hole or cavity (24) defined by the sole (4) in a predetermined position relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the sole (4).