Ski Boot Opening Geometry Prevents Binding False Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ski boot binding systems experience false releases during sporty descents and racing, leading to increased risk of injury and equipment failure due to the design of conical openings allowing bearing bolts to slide out vertically, and existing locking mechanisms add weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design of the ski boot features modified openings with horizontal contact sections and cylindrical inner contact sections to prevent vertical sliding of bearing bolts, allowing horizontal release in case of a fall, thus enhancing security and reducing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conical openings are used in the ski boot to allow bearing bolts to slide in and out easily, then the ease of operation is improved, but false releases occur during high-load activities
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is given different geometrical characteristics at different locations: conical at the front for easy bolt insertion, and cylindrical with horizontal contact sections at the rear for preventing false release. This local differentiation of geometric properties resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent false releases, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from a separate mechanical locking mechanism and integrated into the opening geometry itself. The cylindrical rear portion with horizontal contact sections provides automatic locking through geometric constraints, eliminating the need for additional locking components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening geometry itself provides the locking function through its cylindrical shape and horizontal contact sections, which automatically prevent bearing bolt displacement during high-load activities. The system locks itself through its own structural design rather than requiring an external locking mechanism.
3Reliability
If the bearing bolt is prevented from sliding out vertically, then false releases are prevented, but the ability to release in case of fall may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The opening geometry dynamically responds to different loading conditions: the horizontal contact sections prevent vertical displacement during normal high-load activities, but allow horizontal displacement when subjected to fall forces. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between preventing false releases and maintaining safety release capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a ski boot (12) which has an opening (18a, 18b) in each of opposing lateral, front boot sections, wherein the openings (18a, 18b) define an opening axis (Q) along which bearing pins (32a, 32b) of a ski binding (14) can be inserted into the openings (18a, 18b) in order to hold the ski boot (12) pivotably about the opening axis (Q) on the ski binding (14), wherein at least one of the openings (18a, 18b) has at least one inner contact section (42) for bearing against an outer circumferential section (50) of the bearing pin (32a, 32b), wherein the contact section (42) allows a displacement of the bearing pin (32a, 32b) in the direction of the opening axis (Q) as well as a pivoting movement of the bearing pin (32a, 32b) about the opening axis (Q). allows, but essentially prevents a displacement or pivoting movement of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b) in other directions.