Ski Boot Fastening System Continuous Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski boots lack precise and continuous adjustment of tightening levels, making them difficult to use and requiring repeated adjustments during and after sporting activities.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system with a winch mechanism and lever mechanism that allows for precise tensioning and loosening of cables connecting the rear cuff and front tongue, enabling quick and accurate adjustment of the boot's tightening level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rack with alternating ridges and valleys and an actuating lever with pegs are used for fastening adjustment, then the fastening system can switch between configurations and define discrete tightening levels, but continuous and precise adjustment of the tightening level is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the discrete mechanical rack-and-peg system with a continuous cable tensioning system. The cable can be tensioned continuously through a pulley mechanism, allowing any position along the cable's length to be achieved, thus enabling continuous and precise adjustment of the tightening level without being limited to discrete valleys in a rack structure.
2Device complexity
If discrete valleys in a rack are used for fastening positions, then the fastening system can be simple in structure, but it is difficult to restore the previously set tightening level after suspension of activity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tensioning system maintains the tightening level through continuous tensioning of the cable. When the boot is removed and reattached, the cable naturally returns to its tensioned state, automatically restoring the previously set tightening level without requiring the user to remember or re-select specific discrete positions. The system provides continuous feedback through the tensioned cable to maintain the desired fit.
3Measurement precision
If a cable tensioning system with winch mechanism is used, then continuous and precise adjustment of tightening level is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable serves multiple functions: it provides the tightening force, acts as the measurement reference for precise adjustment, and functions as the restoration mechanism after suspension. The pulley system handles both the tensioning and the release functions. By making the cable and pulley system multi-functional, the patent achieves continuous precise adjustment without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a sports footwear (1), of the type comprising a shell (5), made of a substantially rigid material, a rear cuff (7), also made of a substantially rigid material, and a front tongue (9), made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, wherein said rear cuff (7) and said front tongue (9) are connected to said shell (5) in such a way as to be able to be brought away from or close to each other, and wherein said sports footwear comprises a fastening system (13) to allow or prevent relative movement of said rear cuff (7) and front tongue (9). According to the invention, said fastening system (13) comprises a system of traction elements (17a, 17b), a first actuating element (15) allowing continuous adjustment of the tensioning of said traction elements and the level of tightening of said sports footwear (1) around the user's leg, and a second actuating element (19), capable of switching from a first position to a second position, and vice versa, to discretely increase or decrease the tension applied to said traction elements (17a, 17b).