Ski Boot Security Insert with Embedded RFID Chip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ski boots, particularly high-performance ones, face risks of theft and identity misappropriation due to their elaborate and concealed brand identities, necessitating a solution to reduce these risks.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a security insert with an electronic chip, such as an RFID or NFC device, into the plastic material of the ski boot's wall, allowing for contactless communication and identification, which is visually undetectable and securely positioned to prevent tampering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ski boots are made with elaborate and high-performance technical structures, then the performance and functionality of the ski boot is improved, but the risk of theft and identity misappropriation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveski boot performanceVSAvoidtheft risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An electronic chip is introduced as an intermediary element within the ski boot structure. This chip serves as a mediator between the physical boot and its digital identity, enabling theft prevention and authentication without altering the mechanical performance of the boot. The chip acts as a hidden identifier that links the physical object to its ownership and authenticity records.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical identification methods (such as visible logos, serial numbers, or physical tags) with an electronic identification system. The electronic chip provides a more secure and sophisticated form of identification that cannot be easily copied or removed, substituting the mechanical identification paradigm with an electronic one that offers enhanced security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If the brand identity of ski boots is concealed for commercial contract reasons, then commercial confidentiality is protected, but the ability to identify and track the boot is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrand identity confidentialityVSAvoididentification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the boot's identity information stored on the electronic chip. This digital copy contains authentication data and identification information that can be read and verified without revealing the physical brand markings on the boot itself. The chip stores a copy of the identity that can be accessed electronically while the physical boot maintains its concealed brand appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The identification system is moved from the two-dimensional surface of the boot (where brand logos are visible) to a three-dimensional embedded space within the boot structure. The electronic chip is integrated into the boot's internal structure, allowing identification through a different dimension - electronic data retrieval rather than visual inspection - thus maintaining brand concealment while enabling reliable identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If an electronic chip is integrated into the ski boot wall, then theft prevention and identification are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electronic chip integration with the existing boot manufacturing process rather than adding it as a separate post-processing step. The chip is incorporated into the boot structure during the forming process, combining the identification function with the structural manufacturing. This integration approach reduces overall manufacturing complexity compared to adding separate components and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic chip is nested within the boot structure, embedded in the wall material. This nesting approach allows the chip to be protected within the existing structural framework of the boot, utilizing the boot's own structure as the protective container. The chip is positioned within the wall thickness, nested among the structural elements, which simplifies integration compared to adding external housings or separate mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3845086A1Secure ski boot and manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 ROSSIGNOL LANGE SRL
  • EP3845086A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3845086A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3845086A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Sliding sports shoe element comprising a wall of plastic material, characterized in that it comprises at least one safety insert (20) comprising an electronic chip (25) integrated totally or partially into an area (10) of said wall of plastic material.