Ski Boot Reel Closure for Precise Incremental Fit Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ski boot closure devices often struggle to achieve a balance between comfort and fit due to the use of rigid materials, and they typically tighten in large increments, making it difficult to achieve a proper fit.
Innovation Solution
A reel-based closure device with a tightening system that includes a reel mechanism, guides, and a tension member, allowing for incremental and easy adjustment of the ski boot fit, using a gear mechanism to amplify torque and facilitate smooth tightening and loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional closure devices are used to tighten ski boots, then the boot can be closed, but the tightening occurs in relatively large increments making it difficult to achieve proper fit balance
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device transitions from static buckles to a dynamic reel-based system with a tension member that can be continuously adjusted. The reel mechanism allows the tension member to be wound or unwound in small increments, enabling dynamic adjustment of the boot fit to achieve precise balance between comfort and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the adjustment parameter from discrete buckle notches to continuous tension member length. By varying the amount of tension member wound on the reel, the closure force can be precisely controlled, allowing fine-tuning of the fit rather than being constrained to large incremental changes.
2Strength
If rigid polymer materials are used for exterior shells, then the boot provides structural support, but the boot becomes difficult to close and uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible tension member (such as a webbing strap) that works in conjunction with the rigid exterior shell. The flexible tension member can be easily manipulated and adjusted, providing ease of closure while the rigid shell maintains structural support. The flexible member conforms to the leg shape better than rigid buckles.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension member acts as an intermediary between the user's closing action and the rigid shell. Instead of directly manipulating rigid buckles or laces, the user operates the reel mechanism which then applies controlled tension through the flexible member to the rigid shell, making the closure process easier and more precise.
3Device complexity
If traditional buckles are used for closure, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment increments are large and precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into distinct functional components: the reel mechanism, the tension member, and the attachment points. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the reel provides precise rotational control, the tension member provides flexible force transmission, and the attachments provide secure connection - while working together to achieve precise fit adjustment.
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 reel-based closure device provides easy and precise adjustment of ski boot fit, enhancing comfort and fit balance by allowing for small incremental adjustments, replacing traditional buckles, and supporting high torque outputs.
Implementation Method 1
The closure device may include a gear mechanism that increases an input torque to generate a high torque output
Implementation Method 2
A spool may be rotatably positioned within the housing. A tension member may be frictionally engaged about a peripheral surface of the spool
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A boot, such as a ski boot, may include a lower portion or shell that is configured to accommodate a foot and an upper portion or cuff that extends upward from the lower portion and that is configured to accommodate a lower leg of a wearer. The boot may also include a tightening system that is coupled with the lower portion of the boot in order to close and tighten the lower portion about the foot. The tightening system includes a reel based closure device and a tension member that is operably coupled with the reel based closure device so that an operation of the reel based closure device effects tensioning of the tension member. The tightening system also includes a plurality of guide members that route or direct the tension member along a path and a terminal member that is fixedly coupled with the tension member.