Ski Boot Leg Adjustment Mechanism for Automatic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ski boot devices for adjusting the bootleg position with respect to the shell require manual intervention, are aesthetically and structurally cumbersome, and fail to allow optimal walking motion due to protrusions and complexity, with activation difficulties in snowy or icy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a blade with a riveted end locked to the bootleg, a slider with a frustum-shaped tooth, and an elastically deformable spring, allowing automatic adjustment of bootleg oscillation relative to the shell for skiing and walking, without direct user intervention, and with a simplified structural design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional devices with levers and projections are used to adjust bootleg position, then the bootleg oscillation can be limited during skiing, but the device requires manual intervention and complicates the boot structure with protrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically activates and deactivates based on the boot's position relative to the ski. When the boot is anchored to the ski, the spring is compressed and the lever automatically moves to limit bootleg oscillation. When the boot is unanchored, the spring expands and the lever returns to allow free oscillation. This self-activating mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions between two dynamic states based on the anchoring condition: a constrained state during skiing when the boot is anchored to the ski, and a free oscillation state during walking when the boot is unanchored. The spring-loaded lever mechanism dynamically adapts the bootleg position based on operational requirements without manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If protrusions are added to the boot for device activation, then the bootleg position can be adjusted, but the aesthetic form of the boot is impaired and the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the boot's own movement and position relative to the ski to automatically activate the mechanism. The spring-loaded lever responds to the anchoring condition without requiring external projections or manual manipulation, thereby preserving the boot's aesthetic form while maintaining functionality.
3Ease of operation
If levers and mechanisms are added to the boot for adjustment, then the bootleg oscillation can be controlled, but the activation becomes difficult in snowy or icy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The device eliminates the need for manual activation by using the boot's position relative to the ski as the activation trigger. The spring mechanism automatically engages or disengages based on whether the boot is anchored to the ski or not, making it immune to the difficulties of manipulating levers in snowy or icy conditions.
4Ease of operation
If conventional adjustment devices are used, then the bootleg position can be modified, but the device is not activated because the skier forgets or does not perceive the correct operation
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically activates based on the boot's anchoring state to the ski, eliminating the need for the skier to remember or perceive the correct operation. The spring-loaded lever responds automatically to the physical condition of being anchored or unanchored, ensuring reliable activation without time loss.
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
Enables automatic and efficient switching between skiing and walking modes, maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing design, even in snowy or icy conditions, with reduced component complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable spring (29) arranged in the box-like body (18) and acting on the slider (17)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A device for adjusting the position of the bootleg (4) with respect to the shell (2), particularly for ski boots (1). The first end (7) of a blade (6) is associated internally and at the rear with respect to the bootleg (4), the blade (6) interacting selectively, at the second end (13), with a tooth (16) of a slider (17). The latter is arranged adjacent to the heel (11) and movable axially with respect to the shell (2) in contrast to an elastically deformable element (29).