Ski Boot Cuff Closing Assembly with Flexible Ribbon
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ski mountaineering boot cuff closing assembly is cumbersome and requires simultaneous operation of multiple components, which is inconvenient in adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A ski boot cuff closing assembly featuring a transversal band with a flexible ribbon and a coupling member that allows for independent operation, adapting to the user's leg morphology and eliminating the need for additional tightening straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional cuff closing assembly with multiple components (lever buckle and tightening strap) is used, then the adaptability to user's leg morphology is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring simultaneous operation of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lever buckle and tightening strap into a single integrated cuff closing assembly. The lever buckle acts as a tensioning device that directly tensions a transversal band, eliminating the need for a separate tightening strap. This merging reduces the number of components from two or three to one, while maintaining the adaptability function through the adjustable tensioning mechanism of the lever buckle.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever buckle is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the closing mechanism and the tensioning device. By integrating these functions into a single component, the system achieves multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used in the cuff closing assembly, then the adaptability and tightening capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (lever buckle, tensioning device, and tightening strap) into a single integrated cuff closing assembly. The lever buckle serves as both the closing mechanism and the tensioning device, directly tensioning the transversal band that closes the cuff. This reduction from two or three separate components to one integrated assembly maintains tightening capability while significantly reducing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a single integrated cuff closing assembly is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different leg morphologies may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lever buckle is designed as a dynamic tensioning device that can be adjusted to different positions, allowing the transversal band to be tensioned to various degrees. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the single integrated assembly to adapt to different leg morphologies while maintaining ease of operation through a single component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever buckle allows for parameter changes in tension force, enabling the same single-component assembly to adapt to different user leg morphologies by adjusting the tensioning level. This parameter variability maintains adaptability while simplifying the operation to a single component.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Ski boot (1) comprising: a substantially rigid foot-casing (2), which is adapted to accommodate the user's foot; a substantially rigid cuff (3), which is adapted to enclose the lower leg of the user, and is hinged to the foot-casing (2) so as to be able to swing about a first rotation axis (A) substantially perpendicular to the midplane of the ski boot; a protective innerboot (4), which is placed within the foot-casing (2) and is adapted to accommodate and to protect at least the user's foot; and a manually-operated cuff closing assembly (9), which is adapted to tighten the cuff (3) on the user's leg, and in turn comprises: a manually-operated tensioning device (16), which is rigidly fixed on a first lateral side of the cuff (3); a flexible ribbon (19), which has its two ends rigidly fixed to the second lateral side of the cuff (3) opposite to said first lateral side, and extends grazing the front part of the cuff (3) up to reach the tensioning device (16); and a coupling member (18) is fitted in free slidable manner on said flexible ribbon (19), and is structured so as to couple in releasable manner to said tensioning device (16).