Ski Boot Cable Winch Closing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ski mountaineering boots face issues with the rigid floating body of the foot-casing closing mechanism rotating above the instep due to user torque and potentially getting stuck on the internal thermal-insulating liner, causing fitting problems.
Innovation Solution
The ski boot incorporates a foot-casing closing mechanism with transversal flexible tongues and cable-return members, where a manually-operated cable-winding winch tensions the tightening cable to flex the tongues inward, securely blocking the foot, eliminating the risk of the mechanism hindering foot insertion and improving force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the rigid floating body is supported only by the flexible cable, then the structure is simpler, but the rigid floating body can rotate above the instep due to user torque
Solution Approach 1:
A cable return member is introduced as an intermediary component between the rigid floating body and the foot-casing. This mediator provides a stable anchoring point for the tightening cable, preventing the rigid floating body from rotating while maintaining structural simplicity. The cable return member is firmly fixed to the foot-casing and receives the cable in a pass-through manner, creating a reliable force transmission path.
2Reliability
If the rigid floating body is linked to the front part of the foot-casing, then rotation is prevented, but the mechanism can get stuck on the internal thermal-insulating liner
Solution Approach 1:
The cable return member acts as an intermediary that provides stable anchoring without direct contact between the rigid floating body and the foot-casing. This intermediate structure prevents the mechanism from getting stuck on the thermal-insulating liner while still preventing rotation, as the cable return member is firmly fixed to the foot-casing and guides the cable away from the liner.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the rigid floating body that applies pressure, the flexible tongues that conform to the foot, and the cable return member that provides stable anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others, particularly preventing the mechanism from getting stuck on the liner.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple cable engagement points are used, then fitting precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable return member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a stable anchoring point for the tightening cable, prevents rotation of the rigid floating body, and guides the cable in a pass-through manner to ensure even force distribution. This multi-functionality achieves precise fitting without increasing device complexity, as a single component accomplishes multiple objectives.
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 boot's ability to securely fit the user's foot, preventing rotation and sticking issues, while maintaining reliable and economical production.
Implementation Method 1
a series of flexible and inextensible, transversal tongues that are located inside the foot-casing... are firmly fixed to the foot-casing so as to jut out cantilevered inside the longitudinal slit
Implementation Method 2
a manually-operated cable-winding winch, which is fixed above the rigid floating body and is provided with a flexible cable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A ski boot (1) comprising: a substantially rigid foot-casing (2) which is shaped so as to accommodate the user's foot, and has the lower part structured so as to couple with a ski binding device; a substantially rigid cuff (3) which is shaped so as to surround the lower part of the user's leg, and is pivotally joined to the foot-casing (2) so as to be able to swing about a rotation axis (A) substantially perpendicular to the midplane of the boot; and foot-casing closing means (12) which are adapted to selectively tighten the longitudinal slit (16) which is located on the upper part of the foot-casing (2), and which comprise: a plurality of transversal flexible tongues (20) that are arranged inside the foot-casing (2) astride and transversal to a first longer lateral edge (16a) of the longitudinal slit (16), and are firmly fixed to the foot-casing (2) so as to extend cantilevered inside the longitudinal slit (16) towards a second longer lateral edge (16b) of the longitudinal slit (16), opposite to said first longer lateral edge (16a); a series of substantially non-deformable cable-return members (21) that are located on the foot-casing (2) along or close to the second longer lateral edge (16b) of the longitudinal slit (16); a cable-winding winch (22) which is fixed onto the foot-casing (2), close to the second longer lateral edge (16b) of the longitudinal slit (16), and is provided with a tightening cable (23) that exits from the cable-winding winch (2) and engages in pass-through and freely slidable manner the distal ends of the transversal flexible tongues (20) and the cable-return members (21).