Anatomical Ski Boot Sole with Lateral Detent Elements

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Standardized ski boots restrict anatomical adaptation and ease of movement due to their flat sole design, making walking and skiing difficult for skiers.

Innovation Solution

A safety ski binding system with an adjustable release mechanism and fixed mounting elements allows the ski boot sole to be designed anatomically, featuring lateral latching elements interacting with a heel holder, and an integrated actuating mechanism for improved movement comfort and freedom.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ski boots are designed according to standardized sole specifications with flat soles, then compatibility with conventional ski bindings is ensured, but anatomical adaptation and freedom of movement are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical adaptationVSAvoidbinding system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional binding system architecture by moving the adjustable release mechanism from the ski-mounted fixed element to the boot-mounted movable element. This allows the boot sole to be anatomically shaped while the binding interface maintains standardized functionality through the laterally protruding detent elements that interact with the ski-mounted retaining element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The binding system is segmented into distinct functional components: laterally protruding detent elements on the boot, a ski-mounted retaining element with locking recesses, and an integrated actuating mechanism. This segmentation allows the boot sole to be freely shaped for anatomical comfort while the binding interface components maintain standardized interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the ski boot sole is shaped for anatomical comfort and freedom of movement, then walking comfort improves, but compatibility with standardized binding systems is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewalking comfortVSAvoidbinding compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The laterally protruding detent elements serve multiple functions: they enable anatomically shaped boot soles, provide standardized interaction with the ski-mounted retaining element, and work with the integrated actuating mechanism for reliable release. This multi-functionality ensures both walking comfort and binding compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed retaining elements are used in ski bindings, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adjustability for different skiers is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics to the previously static fixed retaining element system by integrating an actuating mechanism with spring elements and spring-damper elements that allow adjustable release values. The laterally protruding detent elements can be dynamically adjusted relative to the boot sole, enabling customization for different skiers while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system enhances movement comfort and safety by allowing the ski boot sole to be shaped for individual anatomy, reducing the risk of falls and injuries, and simplifies binding adjustments, making it more robust and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

The actuating mechanism itself can be formed by at least one spring element and/or at least one spring-damper element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The actuating mechanism itself can be formed by at least one spring element and/or at least one spring-damper element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2821114B1Safety ski binding system
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 ALLMANN ANDREAS
  • EP2821114B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2821114B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2821114B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a safety ski binding system for releasably fixing a ski boot to a ski, featuring an adjustable release mechanism and fixed retaining elements. According to the invention, two locking elements projecting laterally from the ski boot are arranged on the ski boot and interact with a ski-mounted retaining element designed as a heel holder. The invention further relates to a ski boot that forms part of the aforementioned safety binding system.