Ski Boot Reel Closure With Guided Tension for Precise Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure devices for ski boots, particularly those with rigid shells, struggle to achieve a balance between comfort and fit due to their inability to provide precise incremental adjustments, often resulting in discomfort or complexity in tightening.
Innovation Solution
A tightening system for ski boots utilizing a reel-based closure device with an elongate panel and guide members that allows for precise, incremental adjustments of tension, coupled with internal straps or panels to enhance fit and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional closure devices are used to tighten ski boots with rigid shells, then the boot can be closed, but the tightening occurs in relatively large increments making it difficult to achieve a proper balance between fit and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into multiple independent adjustment mechanisms, each capable of providing fine incremental adjustments. The tensioning mechanism includes a reel with a spool that can be rotated in small increments, allowing precise control over tension application to the rigid shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device transitions from static, fixed-tension mechanisms to a dynamic system where tension can be continuously adjusted. The reel-based mechanism allows the user to dynamically modify the tension level in real-time, enabling precise adaptation to achieve the optimal balance between fit and comfort.
2Strength
If rigid materials are used to make ski boot shells, then structural strength is improved, but the shell becomes difficult to close and tighten
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible tension member acts as an intermediary between the rigid shell and the closure device. This tension member can be threaded through channels in the rigid shell and routed through guide members, allowing the closure device to apply tension without directly interacting with the difficult-to-manipulate rigid material.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension member functions as a flexible element that contrasts with the rigid shell. This flexible component can be easily manipulated and tensioned, while the rigid shell provides structural support. The flexible tension member bridges the gap between the ease of manipulating soft materials and the strength required from rigid materials.
3Reliability
If conventional closure devices are used, then the boot can be tightened, but the process adds complexity to achieving proper fit and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables precise tension adjustment, and maintains reliable fit. The reel-based mechanism serves both as a tensioning device and as a means for incremental adjustment, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
A tightening device for tightening a ski boot includes an elongate panel having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate panel is positioned about the ski boot's shell between opposing sides of the shell. A tensioning mechanism is coupled with the proximal end of the elongate panel. A tension member is operably coupled with the tensioning mechanism so that an operation of the tensioning mechanism adjusts a tension of the tension member. At least one guide member is coupled with, or positioned on, the proximal end of the elongate panel adjacent to the tensioning mechanism. The tension member is coupled with the guide member to route or direct the tension member between the opposing sides of the shell and along a portion of the elongate panel.