Ski Boot Cuff Locking Mechanism with Elastic Counteracting Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ski mountaineering boots lack a cuff locking mechanism that allows for small movements while maintaining the cuff in a locked downhill position, which restricts ankle mobility during skiing.
Innovation Solution
A manually-operated cuff locking device with an elastic counteracting member that locks the cuff in a predetermined downhill position, allowing small swings by using a movable arm and elastic counteracting member to maintain the cuff's position while enabling limited movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the cuff locking device rigidly locks the cuff to the foot-casing in the downhill position, then the cuff stability is improved, but the ankle mobility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions from a static rigid lock to a dynamic system that allows controlled movement. The elastic counteracting member enables the cuff to oscillate within a limited angular range (α) around the predetermined downhill position, providing both stability and mobility. The system adapts its rigidity based on operational needs - rigid when stability is required, flexible when ankle movement is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the locking mechanism by introducing an elastic counteracting member that allows the cuff to move within a controlled angular parameter range. The cuff can oscillate by a maximum angle α from the locked position, transforming the locking mechanism from a fixed-position system to one with controlled positional variability, thus maintaining stability while enabling necessary ankle mobility.
2Ease of operation
If the cuff locking device completely releases the cuff from the foot-casing, then the ankle mobility is improved, but the cuff stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control over cuff mobility, allowing the user to select between locked and unlocked states. The elastic counteracting member enables controlled oscillation in the locked state, while complete release provides full mobility when needed. This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction by offering both stability and mobility at different operational moments.
3Ease of operation
If the cuff locking device allows small movements of the cuff, then the ankle mobility is improved, but the locking reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention defines a specific angular parameter α that limits the cuff's movement range when locked. This controlled parameter change allows small oscillations that accommodate ankle mobility needs while maintaining sufficient locking reliability for safe operation. The elastic counteracting member ensures the cuff remains within this controlled range, preventing excessive movement that would compromise safety.
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
Enables the cuff to be locked in a downhill position while allowing small movements, enhancing ankle mobility during skiing without requiring structural changes to the boot.
Implementation Method 1
a movable arm (17) which is hinged to the support plate (16)... an elastic counteracting member (18) which is structured so as to bring and maintain in elastic manner the movable arm (17) into the abovementioned lowered or locking position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A ski boot (1) comprising: a substantially rigid foot-casing (2) which is adapted to accommodate the foot of the user; a substantially rigid cuff (3) which is adapted to enclose the lower part of the leg of the user, and pivotally joined to the foot-casing (2) so as to be able to rotate about a reference axis (A) substantially perpendicular to the midplane of the ski boot; and a manually-operated cuff locking device (15) which comprises: a support plate (16) placed on the cuff (3), above the heel of the ski boot (1); a movable arm (17) which is butt hinged onto the support plate (16) so as to be able to rotate to and from a locking position wherein the movable arm (17) extends downwards and couples in a releasable manner to the foot-casing (2) beneath; and an elastic counteracting member (18) which is adapted to bring and maintain, in an elastic manner, the movable arm (17) into said locking position; the head of the movable arm (17) being additionally fastened to the support plate (16) with the capability of sliding on the support plate (16) in a first direction (d) which is substantially parallel to the laying- and rotation- plane of the movable arm (17) and locally substantially tangent to the surface of the cuff (3); and the elastic counteracting member (18) being also adapted to counteract in an elastic manner the sliding of the movable arm (17) on the support plate (16).