Ski Boot Leg Adjustment via Binding-Actuated Rigid Blade

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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 cumbersome, increase weight, and complicate operation, especially in snowy or icy conditions, while also affecting ski control and sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a rigid blade with a rotatable first end associated with the bootleg and a slidably positioned second end within a slider, which is axially movable with respect to the shell, allowing automatic adjustment of bootleg oscillation based on the engagement or disengagement of the ski binding, maintaining rigidity for skiing and enabling free oscillation for walking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual adjustment devices are used to limit bootleg oscillation during skiing, then ski control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in gripping levers with gloves in cold conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveski controlVSAvoidactivation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically adjusts the bootleg position based on the binding engagement state without requiring manual operation. The binding itself acts as the actuating mechanism, eliminating the need for the skier to manually adjust the device while maintaining reliable ski control during skiing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If protruding elements are added to the shell for device interaction, then adjustment functionality is improved, but shape and weight deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment functionalityVSAvoidaesthetic shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device is integrated into the existing binding mechanism, merging the adjustment function with the binding function. This eliminates the need for separate protruding elements on the shell, maintaining the aesthetic shape while preserving adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex adjustment mechanisms are implemented, then adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the ski to the boot and simultaneously acts as the actuating mechanism for the bootleg position adjustment. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining precise adjustment capability through the inherent mechanical linkage.

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

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 adjustment of bootleg oscillation without direct user intervention, maintaining excellent ski control and sensitivity, with a simplified and compact design that reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, and functions effectively in snowy or icy conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a first end (7) which is rotatably associated internally and at the rear with said bootleg (4) in contrast to a first elastically deformable element (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a second end (14) which can be slideably and freely positioned temporarily in a seat (20) which is provided on a slider (23) which is arranged adjacent to the heel (11) and is movable axially with respect to said shell (2) in contrast to a second elastically deformable element (32) which can be compressed by a heelpiece (24) of a ski binding (25) in the closed condition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP2710911B1Ski boots with a device for adjusting the position of the bootleg with respect to the shell
Publication Date: 2017.08.30 HEAD TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP2710911B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2710911B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2710911B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for adjusting the position of the bootleg with respect to the shell, particularly for ski boots, comprising a rigid blade (6) which has a first end (7) which is rotatably associated internally and at the rear with the bootleg (4) in contrast to a first elastically deformable element (8). The blade (6) has a second end (14) which can temporarily be positioned slidably and freely in a seat (20) which is provided on a slider (23) which is arranged adjacent to the heel (11) and is movable axially with respect to the shell (2) in contrast to a second elastically deformable element (32) which can be compressed by a heelpiece (24) of a ski binding (25) in the closed condition.