Ski Boot Cuff Locking Device Tilt Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mountaineering and Telemark ski boots with cuff locking devices face limitations in adjusting the lateral tilt angle, leading to compromised comfort and dynamic performance due to excessive mechanical clearances that allow relative movement between the cuff and shell.
Innovation Solution
A cuff locking device with a supporting plate and connecting arm system that allows micrometric adjustment of the tilt angle, featuring a rotatable pin and elastic mechanism to prevent swinging while enabling free rotation on a secondary plane, eliminating structural constraints that hinder tilt adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If excessive mechanical clearances are increased between the strut and pass-through pin, then the lateral tilt angle adjustment range is improved, but the cuff locking reliability deteriorates allowing small oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the connection between strut and shell into two independent segments: a first connection (hinged connection) allowing lateral tilt adjustment, and a second connection (sliding connection) providing longitudinal constraint. This segmentation allows each connection to independently fulfill its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between adjustment range and locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a second connection (sliding connection with pin and slot) as an intermediary element between the strut and shell. This intermediary provides the necessary longitudinal constraint while allowing the first connection to maintain excessive mechanical clearances for lateral tilt adjustment, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of adjustability and stability.
2Reliability
If the strut is constrained to the center-plane of the boot, then the cuff locking device prevents relative movement between shell and cuff, but the lateral tilt angle adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the constraint functions: the first connection (hinged) handles lateral tilt adjustment by allowing rotation about a vertical axis, while the second connection (sliding) handles longitudinal constraint by preventing movement along the boot's longitudinal axis. This segmentation removes the conflict between center-plane confinement and lateral tilt adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane (center-plane) constraint system to a multi-dimensional system. The first connection allows rotation in the lateral direction (perpendicular to center-plane), while the second connection maintains constraint in the longitudinal direction (within center-plane). This dimensional separation allows both functions to coexist without conflict.
3Reliability
If mechanical clearances are reduced between strut and pass-through pin, then cuff locking reliability is improved, but lateral tilt angle adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the constraint and adjustment functions into two independent connections. The first connection (hinged) is designed with excessive mechanical clearances specifically for lateral tilt adjustment, while the second connection (sliding) is designed with tight tolerances for longitudinal constraint. This segmentation allows each connection to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ski boot (1) comprising a shell (2) and a cuff (5) which is hinged on the shell (2) so as to rotate about a first axis (A) substantially perpendicular to the center- plane of the boot; the ski boot (1) also being provided with a cuff locking device (10) which comprises: a fixing plate (12) which is located on the shell (2) substantially at the heel of the boot and is provided with a projecting pin (14) which protrudes from the shell (2) while remaining coaxial to a third axis (C) which substantially lies on the center-plane of the boot, and is tilted with respect to the vertical by an angle (a) from 60° to 90°; and a connecting arm (13) which, in the area above the heel of the boot, extends astride between the rear part of the cuff (5) and the fixing plate (12), while remaining on a lying plane substantially perpendicular to said first axis (A), and is hinged on the rear part of the cuff (5) so as to oscillate with respect to the cuff (5) about a second axis (B) locally substantially perpendicular to the lying plane of the connecting arm (13); the lower end (13a) of the connecting arm (13) being shaped/structured so as to be selectively insertable/fittable on the projecting pin (14) of the fixing plate (12) in an axially rotatable and easily releasable/extractable manner, so as to constrain the connecting arm (13) to the fixing plate (12) with the sole possibility of freely rotating about said third axis (C).