Ski Boot Cuff Locking Mechanism for Automatic Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mountaineering ski boot cuff locking devices are difficult to operate, especially in adverse weather conditions, due to the placement of the mechanical locking member on the rear part of the cuff above the heel, which hinders user access and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A ski boot cuff locking device that automatically locks and unlocks the cuff to the shell based on the engagement or disengagement of the heel with the ski binding device, using a movable locking member and command assembly that includes a flexible blade and a coupling tooth, allowing for easy operation without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mechanical locking member is placed on the rear part of the cuff above the heel, then the locking device can effectively lock the cuff to the shell, but it becomes difficult for the user to reach and activate the locking device
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible command blade acts as an intermediary element that transmits the user's manual input from an accessible location (front of the boot) to the locking mechanism located at the rear above the heel. The blade flexes to bridge the spatial gap, allowing the user to operate the locking device without directly accessing the rear mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The command assembly extends the operational interface from the rear vertical plane to the front horizontal plane of the boot. By positioning the activation point at the front where the user's foot enters the boot, the system allows operation in a different spatial dimension that is naturally accessible during boot insertion and adjustment.
2Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism is used, then the cuff can be securely locked to the shell, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming especially in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The command blade is pre-positioned and pre-tensioned within the boot structure, ready to immediately transmit force to the locking mechanism. When the user applies pressure during boot insertion or adjustment, the blade automatically engages the locking action without requiring separate manual steps or complex sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the flexing action of the command blade. The blade's elastic deformation directly drives the locking engagement, eliminating the need for separate actuators, motors, or complex mechanical linkages that would increase device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ski boot (1) comprising a rigid shell (2) which is shaped so as to accommodate the foot' of the user, and a rigid, cuff (3) which is shaped so as · to surround the ankle of the user and is pivotally jointed on the shell (2) so as to be able to rotate about, a reference axis (A) locally substantially coincident with the articulation " axis of, the ankle of the user; the shell (2) being provided with a rear heel (5) which is structured so as to be able to connect/couple in a rigid and stable, though easily releasable, manner to the heel-piece (13, 43) of a ski binding device; the boot (1) being also provided with a cuff locking device (10) which is structured so as to be able to alternatively lock the cuff (3) rigidly to the shell (2) for preventing any pivoting movement of the cuff (3) on the shell (2), or release the cuff (3) from the shell (2) so as to allow the cuff (3) to pivot freely about said reference axis (A); the cuff locking device (10) being structured so as to be able to automatically lock the cuff (3) to the shell (2) to- prevent any pivoting movement of the cuff (3) on the shell (2), as a result of connection/coupling of the heel (5) of the boot to the heel-piece (13, 43) of the ski binding device.