Reel-Based Ski Boot Closure With Independent Fit Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ski boot closure devices often struggle to provide a balance between comfort and fit due to their rigid polymer materials, which are difficult to close about a user's leg and foot due to the rigid polymer materials that are employed, which are difficult to close about a user's leg and foot due to the rigid materials that are employed, which are rigid materials that are typically made of rigid materials that are employed, which are difficult to achieve a proper balance between comfort and fit, which are typically made of rigid materials that are difficult to achieve a proper balance between comfort and fit, which are difficult to achieve a proper balance.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves the use of multiple tightening systems that are configured to tighten different portions of the ski boot. The ski boot includes a rigid exterior shell that is coupled with a ski binding and an upper cuff that is pivotally coupled with a lower shell that is configured to accommodate a user's foot and a user's lower leg. The ski boot includes a first tightening system coupled with a ski binding and an upper cuff that is pivotally coupled with a ski binding. The tightening system includes a first reel based closure device and a first tension member that is operably coupled with the first reel based closure device so that an operation of the first reel based closure device effects tightening of the first tension member. The first tightening system also includes a plurality of first guide members that are positioned about the lower shell to route or direct the first tension member along a path about the lower shell. The second tightening system includes a second reel based closure device and a second tension member that is operably coupled with the second reel based closure device so that an operation of the second reel based closure device effects tightening of the second tension member. The second tightening system also includes a plurality of second guide members that are positioned about the upper cuff to route or direct the second tension member along a path about the upper cuff. The first and second tightening systems are operable independently of each other to independently and differentially tighten the lower shell and the upper cuff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional closure devices are used to tighten the ski boot, then the boot can be closed about the user's leg and foot, but the rigid polymer materials make it difficult to achieve a proper balance between comfort and fit
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into multiple independent tightening zones (lower shell and upper cuff) that can be adjusted separately. Each zone has its own closure device and tension members, allowing differential tightening to achieve both ease of operation and customized fit comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure devices use reel-based mechanisms that allow continuous adjustment of tension rather than fixed steps. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different user needs and achieve optimal balance between comfort and fit during operation.
2Reliability
If conventional closure devices tighten the ski boot in large increments, then the boot can be secured, but the complexity of achieving a proper balance between fit and comfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reel-based closure mechanisms provide continuous, fine-adjustment capability rather than large incremental steps. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain secure closure while simplifying the complexity of achieving proper fit balance through smaller, more manageable adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the closure system into multiple independent zones with their own adjustment mechanisms, the overall complexity is managed through modular design. Each zone can be adjusted independently, making the complex task of achieving proper fit more manageable and less daunting.
3Strength
If rigid polymer materials are used for the exterior shell, then the boot structure is strong, but the materials are difficult to close about the user's leg and foot
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid exterior shell is divided into multiple separable zones (lower shell and upper cuff) that can be closed independently. This segmentation allows the rigid materials to maintain their strength while making the closing process easier through localized adjustment rather than requiring the entire rigid shell to be manipulated at once.
Data Source
AI summary
A differentially tightenable ski boot includes a lower shell and an upper cuff that is pivotally coupled with the lower shell. The ski boot includes a first tightening system that is coupled with the lower shell and a second tightening system that is coupled with the upper cuff. Each tightening system includes a reel based closure device, a tension member that is operably coupled with the reel based closure device, and at least one guide member that routes or directs the tension member along a path about the lower shell or upper cuff. The first tightening system and the second tightening system are operable independently of each other to independently and differentially tightening the lower shell and the upper cuff.