Ski Boot Tightening Panel With Micro-Adjustable Reel Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ski boots with rigid exterior shells are difficult to close and tighten comfortably due to their rigid materials, and conventional closure devices often tighten in large increments, making it challenging to achieve a proper balance between fit and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A tightening system for ski boots featuring an elongate panel with a tensioning mechanism, guide members, and a reel-based closure device that allows for precise, incremental adjustments of tension to enhance comfort and fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional closure devices are used to tighten ski boots, then the boot can be closed, but the tightening occurs in large increments making it difficult to achieve proper balance between fit and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into multiple adjustment stages with a micro-adjustment mechanism that allows incremental tightening in small, controlled steps. This segmentation of the tightening process enables precise control over the boot fit, resolving the contradiction between achieving proper fit and the difficulty of operation with conventional large-increment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that transitions from coarse adjustment to fine micro-adjustment. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different user needs and boot types, providing both ease of operation and precision when achieving the optimal balance between fit and comfort.
2Strength
If rigid materials are used for ski boot exterior shells, then structural strength is improved, but the boot becomes difficult to close and tighten comfortably
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible closure system acts as an intermediary between the rigid exterior shell and the user's leg. The closure device includes flexible straps and a tensioning mechanism that can accommodate the rigid shell while providing comfortable tightening, effectively mediating between the strength requirement and the ease of operation requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device utilizes parameter changes in the flexible closure elements (such as strap width, material flexibility, and tension distribution) to work around the rigid shell structure. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves both the strength provided by the rigid shell and the ease of operation needed for comfortable tightening.
Data Source
AI summary
A tightening device for tightening a ski boot includes an elongate panel having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate panel is positioned about the ski boot's shell between opposing sides of the shell. A tensioning mechanism is coupled with the proximal end of the elongate panel. A tension member is operably coupled with the tensioning mechanism so that an operation of the tensioning mechanism adjusts a tension of the tension member. At least one guide member is coupled with, or positioned on, the proximal end of the elongate panel adjacent to the tensioning mechanism. The tension member is coupled with the guide member to route or direct the tension member between the opposing sides of the shell and along a portion of the elongate panel.