Ski Boot Cuff Locking Mechanism with Internal Swinging Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snow and ice accumulation in the space between the cuff and the swinging arm of existing ski boot cuff-locking devices makes it difficult to operate the device effectively.
Innovation Solution
A ski boot cuff-locking device with a swinging arm positioned between the shell and cuff, where the arm is hinged to pivot inside the boot, featuring a lock tooth that engages with a coupling seat on the shell to prevent rotation, and a manually-operated control mechanism to move the arm between locking and unlocking positions, with an elastic element to maintain the locking position and a protected design to prevent snow and ice accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the swinging arm is positioned outside the boot structure, then the cuff-locking device is easy to operate, but snow and ice accumulate in the space between the cuff and the swinging arm making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The swinging arm is positioned inside the boot structure, nested within the space between the shell and the cuff. This nesting approach protects the swinging arm from external snow and ice accumulation while still allowing it to function as the control mechanism for the cuff-locking device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an opening in the shell that serves as an intermediary access point. This opening allows the swinging arm to be operated from the outside while remaining protected inside the boot structure, mediating between the need for external operation and internal protection from snow and ice.
2Reliability
If the swinging arm extends beyond the cuff with a cantilevered distal end, then the lock tooth can engage the shell effectively, but the device becomes more complex and prone to snow accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the swinging arm extend outward from the cuff to engage the shell, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the swinging arm inside the boot structure. The lock tooth engages the shell from an internal position, reversing the conventional external engagement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the swinging arm's position from an external lateral extension to an internal position within the boot's longitudinal space. This dimensional repositioning allows the locking mechanism to function effectively while being protected from external environmental factors.
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
The design prevents snow and ice accumulation, reduces weight and production costs, and ensures easy operation by keeping the cuff-locking mechanism free from interference, enhancing the overall performance and usability of the ski boot.
Implementation Method 1
a spring which acts on the swinging arm so as to elastically push and hold the distal end of the swinging arm in abutment on the outer surface of the shell
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 has the lower part structured so as to fasten to a ski binding device; a rigid cuff (3) which is shaped so as to enclose the ankle of the user, and is pivotally jointed to the shell (2) so as to swing about a rotation axis (A) substantially perpendicular to the midplane of the boot; and a cuff-locking device (13) which is located on the cuff (3), above the heel, is structured so as to selectively rigidly lock the cuff (3) to the shell (2) to prevent any swinging movement of the cuff (3) on the shell (2), and comprises a swinging arm (17) which is pivotally jointed to the cuff (3) so as to swing on the midplane of the boot, extends downward so that the lower end (17a) thereof faces the shell (2), and is provided with a tooth (21) which protrudes from the lower end of the arm (17a) towards the shell (2), and is dimensioned so as to be able to fit like a latch into a coupling seat (22) on the shell (2).