Ski Boot Rearward-Forward Insertion Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ski boots are heavy, uncomfortable, and awkward for walking, with removable liners that can cause slipping on snow and are not aesthetically appealing for social environments, and the insertion process is difficult due to a top-to-bottom design.

Innovation Solution

A ski boot design featuring a pivoting heel and cuff portion that allows the shoe to be inserted and removed in a rearward to forward direction, with a thermally moldable inner liner and a sole with a tread pattern for improved traction, and an aesthetically pleasing design suitable for social environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the ski boot uses a rigid outer shell for effective movement transfer, then the skiing performance is improved, but the weight and comfort are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskiing performanceVSAvoidboot weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The boot is divided into a rigid outer shell and a separate removable inner liner, allowing each component to be optimized independently for its specific function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid outer shell is used only where structural support and movement transfer are needed, while the inner liner provides comfort and warmth in the contact areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the liner is removable for comfort, then the ease of operation is improved, but the slipping hazard on snow is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner removalVSAvoidslipping hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sole of the removable liner is equipped with a tread pattern only in the areas that contact snow, providing traction where needed while maintaining removability for comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If the insertion direction is top to bottom, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidinsertion difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion direction is inverted from the conventional top-to-bottom approach to a rearward-to-forward direction, making the process easier while maintaining structural integrity through the pivotal heel and cuff mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of operation

If the liner is customized through heating, then the comfort is improved, but the complexity of the process is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidcustomization process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liner material's temperature parameter is changed to enable molding, allowing customization through simple heating rather than complex adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design provides a comfortable, functional, and easy-to-use ski boot that is less likely to cause slipping on snow, suitable for both skiing and social environments, with a simplified insertion process and improved comfort.

Implementation Method 1

The inner liner may be made of a thermally moldable material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal molding: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 2

The shoe may include a sole having a tread pattern so that the user is less likely to slip while walking on a snow-covered surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7836612B2Ski boot

Publication Date: 2010.11.23 AGNEW BRIAN MICHAEL

AI summary

A ski boot is provided that includes an outer shell, an inner liner disposed within the outer shell and a functional shoe insertable into and removable from the inner liner by means of a rearforward to forward manner.