Ski Boot Removable Sole Stiffening Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ski boots designed for both downhill skiing and mountaineering lack the dynamic behavior and reactivity of traditional boots with a single-piece sole and heel, due to the use of removable components which compromise performance.

Innovation Solution

A ski boot with a rigid outer shell, removable front and back components, and a C-shaped cuff, featuring internal and external stiffening plates and anchoring screws to securely attach interchangeable soles and heels, meeting both ISO 5355 and ISO 9523 standards for compatibility with various binding devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If removable front sole and back heel sets are used to meet multiple standards, then compatibility with different binding devices is improved, but dynamic behavior and reactivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with binding devicesVSAvoiddynamic behavior and reactivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the sole assembly into separable components: a first sole portion and a second sole portion that can be removably coupled to each other. This segmentation allows the boot to meet different standard requirements (ISO 5355 and ISO 9523) by configuring different sole portions, while maintaining integrated construction within each configuration to preserve dynamic behavior and reactivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables dynamic reconfiguration of the sole assembly through removable coupling mechanisms. The sole portions can be detached and reattached to transform between different standard configurations, allowing the boot to adapt its sole configuration dynamically rather than being fixed in a single state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate front sole and back heel sets are provided, then versatility for different sports is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility for different sportsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple sole configurations into a single integrated assembly. The first and second sole portions are designed to be removably coupled together, combining what would traditionally require separate boots into one unified device that can transform between configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The boot shell is designed with universal compatibility to work with both ISO 5355 and ISO 9523 standards through the interchangeable sole portions. The shell itself serves multiple functions by accommodating different sole configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized boots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2846654B1Ski boot
Publication Date: 2016.07.06 CALZATURIFICIO S C A R P A
  • EP2846654B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2846654B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2846654B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A ski boot (l) comprising a rigid shell (2) made of plastic or composite material, which is shaped so as to accommodate the foot of the user, and at least a first (3) and a second (3' ) removable front sole which, alternatively to each other, are adapted to be fixed in a rigid and stable although easily removable manner to the lower wall (2a) of the shell (2) substantially at the tarsal-phalangeal area of the foot; the shell (2) being provided with a first transversal stiffening plate (12) made of metal material which is embedded within the lower wall (2a) of the shell, close to the tip of the shell (2), and is structured/shaped so as to partially emerge/crop out on the outer surface of the lower wall (2a) of the shell substantially at the metatarsal- phalangeal area of the foot; the first (3) and second (3') removable front soles comprising: an upper plate- shaped socle (13, 33) which has the upper face (13a, 33a) shaped so as to be removably coupled to the lower wall (2a) of the shell (2) substantially at the tarsal- phalangeal area of the foot, and a second transversal stiffening plate (16, 36) made of metal material which, in turn, is embedded within the upper plate-shaped socle (13, 33) close to the front end of the socle (13, 33), so as to be aligned below the transversal stiffening plate (12) of the shell (2), and is further shaped so as to emerge/crop out on the surface of the upper face (13a, 33a) of the socle (13, 33a) substantially at the metatarsal-phalangeal area of the foot, so as to rest directly on the transversal stiffening plate (12) of the shell (2).