Ski Boot Locking Device Rigid Rod Counter-Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski boot locking devices are ineffective in maintaining a secure fit during skiing due to accidental disengagement caused by stresses and shocks, as the rigid rod lacks a force component to keep it in the tightening configuration, leading to potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a rigid rod articulated to the actuating lever, where the distal end abuts a counter-element on the shell, providing a reaction force that ensures the rod remains locked, even under stress, and tensioning cables to maintain cuff stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the rigid rod is articulated to the actuating lever without a counter-element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental disengagement under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-element on the shell provides a preliminary reaction force that opposes the disengagement force before accidental disengagement can occur. This pre-positioned counter-force prevents the rigid rod from moving out of its locked position under stress or shocks during skiing.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-element acts as a mechanical counterweight by providing a reaction force that balances the forces acting on the rigid rod during skiing. This counter-force ensures the rod remains in the tightening configuration even when subjected to external stresses and shocks.
2Ease of operation
If the rigid rod abuts against the rear cuff member, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to ineffective tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end of the rigid rod is extracted from abutting against the rear cuff member and instead abuts against a counter-element on the shell. This separation allows the rod to effectively transmit tightening forces without the interference of the rear cuff member, achieving both ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
3Device complexity
If no counter-element is provided on the shell, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability deteriorates under stress and shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-element on the shell provides a preliminary reaction force that opposes the disengagement force before accidental disengagement can occur. This pre-positioned counter-force prevents the rigid rod from moving out of its locked position under stress or shocks during skiing.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-element is integrated into the shell structure as a simple, robust feature rather than a separate complex mechanism. This straightforward implementation provides stable locking without adding significant device complexity.
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 solution effectively prevents accidental disengagement of the locking device during skiing, ensuring a secure fit and enhanced safety by utilizing a reaction force from the rigid rod and counter-element interaction, while being accessible and usable by individuals with varying strength levels.
Implementation Method 1
the distal end abuts a counter-element on the shell, providing a reaction force that ensures the rod remains locked, even under stress
Implementation Method 2
traction elements, arranged between the front cuff member and the rear cuff member... tensioning cables to maintain cuff stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a sports footwear (1), of the type comprising a shell (3), made of a substantially rigid material, and a cuff, also made of a substantially rigid material and comprising at least one cuff member (5, 9) articulated to said shell (3). Said sports footwear comprises a locking device (11) to selective allow or prevent rotation of said at least one articulated cuff member, said locking device comprising an actuating lever articulated at its one end to the wall of said at least one articulated cuff member. According to the invention, the locking device further comprises a rigid rod (17), which, at its first end, is articulated to said actuating member (13), and whose second, opposite end (17b) is arranged to abut against a corresponding counter-element (19) provided on a wall of said shell (3) when said actuating lever is brought to a position in which rotation of said at least one articulated cuff member is prevented. Thanks to the reaction force exerted by said rigid rod (17) against said shell (3), the locking device (11) of the footwear according to the invention makes it possible to achieve firm and reliable locking of the cuff relative to the shell.