Ski Boot Inner Liner Heel Gap Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ski boot inner liners struggle to adapt perfectly to the user's foot morphology, particularly at the heel region, leading to comfort and performance issues due to gaps between the liner and the foot, which affect both comfort and sports performance.
Innovation Solution
The inner liner features tie members extending from the heel to the instep region, with tensioning means like a lacing system that pulls the heel region towards the instep, ensuring a snug fit and eliminating gaps at the heel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a conventional tightening system is used at the longitudinal front opening, then the flaps of the upper can be brought closer to envelop the user's foot near the opening, but the inner liner does not fit perfectly at the heel region due to ineffective tension transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tie members that extend from the heel region to the instep region, adding a new dimensional pathway for tension transmission. This allows the tightening force to be applied not only at the front opening but also at the heel region, eliminating gaps and improving the overall fit of the inner liner to the user's foot.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie members act as intermediary elements that transmit tension from the tightening system to the heel region of the inner liner. These intermediaries bridge the gap between the front opening tightening mechanism and the heel area, ensuring uniform tension distribution and eliminating the fitting problems at the heel.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the inner liner is made of soft material for comfort, then the user experiences comfort, but gaps form between the liner and the foot or outer shell reducing motion transfer precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic tightening system with adjustable tie members that can adapt to different user needs. The system allows the inner liner to maintain close contact with the foot throughout the boot, eliminating gaps that would compromise motion transfer precision while preserving the comfort benefits of soft materials through proper tension distribution.
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
This configuration ensures a secure and comfortable fit by eliminating gaps between the inner liner and the user's heel, enhancing both comfort and sports performance by maintaining precise motion transfer during skiing.
Implementation Method 1
the inner liner comprises tensioning means arranged to exert a traction force onto said second end of said tie members
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an inner liner (1; 1') for a ski boot, said inner liner comprising an improved tightening system (11, 17; 11', 17l', 17m'). The inner liner according to the invention comprises, on each of the sides (i.e., the lateral side and the medial side) of the upper, one or more tie members (17, 17') extending from the heel region to the instep region, and tensioning means arranged to exert onto said tie members a traction force facing towards said instep region. By means of the action of said tensioning means it is possible to eliminate possible gaps that may be present between the inner liner and the user's heel. The present invention further relates to a ski boot comprising an outer shell and said inner liner (1; 1') housed in said outer shell.