Ski Boot Cuff Flexion Control via Sinuous Energy Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski boots lack effective control over the flexion of the cuff relative to the shell, which affects performance and comfort, especially during temperature changes that alter the behavior of plastic materials.
Innovation Solution
The sports footwear incorporates an outer and inner flexion control element, arranged vertically, with engagement elements that allow for controlled flexion by exerting increasing load as the cuff flexes relative to the shell, while minimizing external temperature influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw system is used to adjust the angle of the cuff relative to the shell, then the static bending of the ankle can be modified, but the control of flexion during skiing remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed with a sinuous shape that transforms it from a static connector into a dynamic energy transmission component. The undulating geometry allows the element to flex and store/release energy during cuff movement, enabling progressive control of flexion throughout the skiing motion rather than just static adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sinuous shape of the connecting element changes its mechanical parameters (flexibility, energy storage capacity) based on its deformation state. As the cuff flexes, the connecting element's curved geometry allows it to progressively engage and transmit increasing forces, providing dynamic parameter adjustment during motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plastic materials are used for manufacturing the ski boot, then the flex index can be determined by material properties, but temperature changes alter material behavior and affect performance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces reliance on temperature-sensitive plastic material properties with a mechanical energy transmission system. The sinuous connecting element uses geometric design rather than material property changes to control flexion, making the system's behavior predictable and consistent across varying temperatures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting element has a sinuous shape to transmit energy, then versatility is improved, but the control precision of flexion progression is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element's sinuous shape can be viewed as segmented into multiple small bends or undulations. Each segment contributes to the overall energy transmission and flexion control, allowing progressive engagement of different portions of the curved geometry as flexion increases, thereby achieving precise control through cumulative segment interaction.
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 system enhances the ease of executing athletic gestures by improving the control and progression of cuff flexion, maintaining consistent performance regardless of temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
said connecting element has the general shape of an elongated plate and, when viewed in a sectional view in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sports footwear, has a sinuous shape, which confers a certain elasticity to said connecting element and enables said connecting element to transmit energy to the sports footwear and receive energy from it
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sports footwear (1) of the type comprising a shell (3) and a cuff (5) articulated to said shell. According to the invention, said sports footwear (1) comprises at its rear portion a system for controlling the flexion of said cuff (5) relative to said shell (3). Said flexion control system comprises an outer flexion control element (9) arranged externally to the rear wall of the sports footwear (1), and an inner flexion control element (17), arranged internally to the rear wall of the sports footwear. The outer flexion control element (9) comprises a first engagement element (15) and the inner flexion control element (17) comprises a second engagement element (21), said engagement elements being adapted to cooperate with each other. The engagement between the outer flexion control element (9) and the inner flexion control element (17) allows enhancing the effectiveness of the progression and control of the flexion of the cuff relative to the shell.