Ski Boot Locking Mechanism with Dynamic Rear Deflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking and unlocking devices for sports boots, particularly ski boots, are complex to produce, unreliable, heavy, bulky, difficult to manipulate, and do not provide sufficient amplitude of movement for comfortable walking.
Innovation Solution
A locking and unlocking device comprising an actuation element, a lock, and a rear deflector, where the actuation element moves between two positions to control the lock and rear deflector, blocking or releasing the articulation between the shell base and upper cuff, and adjusting the rear deflector's position to increase the amplitude of flexure of the lower leg.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking and unlocking device is implemented to block or release the articulation between the upper cuff and the shell base, then the control of skis during descent is improved, but the device becomes complex to produce, heavy, and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and the rear deflector into a single integrated device that is actuated by one lever. The locking element and the rear deflector are connected through a common actuation system, allowing simultaneous control of both functions through a single user input, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation element serves multiple functions: it controls the locking mechanism to block or release the articulation, and simultaneously actuates the rear deflector to adjust the amplitude of movement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the device structure while ensuring reliable operation.
2Reliability
If existing locking devices are used to block the articulation, then ski control is effective, but the devices are difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control of the locking mechanism and the rear deflector into a single actuation system, the user only needs to manipulate one lever to achieve both locking and deflector adjustment functions. This integration significantly improves ease of manipulation while maintaining the reliability of the locking function.
3Reliability
If the articulation is blocked for ski descent control, then ski control efficiency is improved, but the amplitude of movement for walking is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the rear deflector can change position based on the actuation element's position. In the locked configuration, the deflector is in a first position optimized for ski control, while in the unlocked configuration, the deflector moves to a second position that increases the amplitude of movement for walking. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to adapt to different usage conditions, providing both reliable ski control and comfortable walking capability.
4Reliability
If the rear deflector is positioned to close the cut-out for ski configuration, then ski control is effective, but the amplitude of flexure for walking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rear deflector is designed to dynamically change position based on the actuation element's state. When the actuation element is in the first position (locked configuration), the rear deflector closes the cut-out to provide effective ski control. When the actuation element moves to the second position (unlocked configuration), the rear deflector opens the cut-out to increase the amplitude of flexure for walking comfort. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between ski control effectiveness and walking adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking and unlocking device includes an actuation element and a lock and a rear deflector. The actuation element is mobile between a first position and a second position, controlling the position of the lock and the position of the rear deflector such that in the first position, the lock occupies a locking position to block an upper cuff in rotation relative to a shell base, and the rear deflector occupies a low position to close a cut-out at the rear of a shell base; and in the second position, the lock occupies an unlocking position to release the rotation of an upper cuff relative to a shell base, and the rear deflector occupies a high position to open up at least partly a cut-out at the rear of a shell base, in order to increase the amplitude of flexure of a lower leg in a sports boot.