Ski Boot Gaiter Inverted Inside Shell for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski boot gaiters made of waterproof fabric are prone to wear and tear due to continuous rubbing against fastening elements and external stresses, leading to ineffective water and snow barriers, especially in ski touring conditions.
Innovation Solution
A ski boot design featuring a gaiter with a substantially tubular shape secured to the inner surface of the outer shell, avoiding contact with fastening elements and external damage, with a removable portion of the shell allowing for secure attachment along its entire perimeter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gaiter is applied to the outside of the ski boot and secured to the outer shell, then it prevents water and snow from entering the ski boot, but it continuously rubs against the fastening elements causing significant wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The gaiter is inverted from its conventional external position to an internal position, placed inside the outer shell rather than outside. This inversion eliminates contact with external fastening elements and environmental stresses while maintaining the water and snow barrier function through the sealed interior placement
2Reliability
If the gaiter is made of waterproof fabric to prevent water entry, then it provides effective protection, but it becomes entangled in fastening elements and tears
Solution Approach 1:
The gaiter is extracted from the external environment where it encounters fastening elements and potential entanglement hazards. By placing it internally inside the outer shell, the source of mechanical stress and entanglement risk is removed, preserving both the waterproof fabric's protective function and its structural integrity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the gaiter is secured to the outer shell to maintain position, then it remains in place during use, but it hinders adjustment of the ski boot fastening elements
Solution Approach 1:
The gaiter's positioning is inverted from external attachment to internal placement. This allows the fastening elements to be accessed and operated freely from the outside without the gaiter interfering, while the gaiter maintains its position through the sealed interior configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A shell for a ski boot of the kind comprising an outer shell made of a substantially rigid material and an inner liner made of a substantially soft material is provided. The shell is provided with a gaiter made of a waterproof material, and the lower edge of the gaiter is secured to the inner surface of the shell and the gaiter extends beyond the upper edge of the shell. Preferably, the base of the shell comprises a removable portion so that a through-opening is obtained in the base of the shell, which through-opening guarantees an easy access to the inner space of the shell for accurate securing of the gaiter to the inner surface of the shell.