Ski Boot Device Segmented Sole for Walking Traction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ski boots with rigid flat soles are uncomfortable and hazardous for walking, especially in slippery conditions, due to their inability to flex and provide traction, and existing traction aids require detachment and reattachment for skiing and walking.

Innovation Solution

A ski boot device with a support portion that extends below the common plane of the sole sections, featuring a shaped profile for walking comfort and traction, which can be adjusted between skiing and walking positions without interfering with the binding mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid flat sole is used in ski boots for binding engagement, then reliable binding interaction is achieved, but walking comfort and traction are severely compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding engagement reliabilityVSAvoidwalking comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sole is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid flat front sole section for binding engagement and a flexible curved rear sole section for walking comfort. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sole are given different mechanical properties: the front portion maintains rigidity and flatness for reliable binding interaction, while the rear portion provides flexibility and curvature for comfortable walking and natural foot movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a rigid flat sole is used in ski boots, then binding engagement is reliable, but traction on slippery surfaces is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding engagement reliabilityVSAvoidslippery surface hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sole is segmented into a rigid front section for binding engagement and a flexible rear section that can incorporate traction-enhancing features such as lugs or patterns, improving grip on slippery surfaces while maintaining binding reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rear sole section is designed with different surface characteristics than the front, providing enhanced traction properties in the walking area while preserving the flat binding interface at the front.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the entire sole is made flexible for walking comfort, then walking ease is improved, but binding engagement reliability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewalking easeVSAvoidbinding engagement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sole is divided into a rigid front section that maintains flatness for reliable binding engagement and a flexible rear section that allows natural foot movement and walking comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the sole have different flexibility characteristics: the front portion remains rigid and flat for binding interaction, while the rear portion is flexible to accommodate walking movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Object-affected harmful factors

If traction aids are added to ski boots, then walking traction is improved, but device complexity and attachment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction on slippery surfacesVSAvoidattachment and detachment procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traction-enhancing features are merged directly into the rear sole section, eliminating the need for separate detachable traction aids. The curved flexible rear sole itself provides the necessary traction properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rear sole section serves multiple functions: it provides walking comfort through flexibility, enables natural foot movement through curvature, and delivers traction on slippery surfaces through its design, all in a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11406155B2Ski boot device

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 SHIRION RONY

AI summary

Ski boot device for ski boots (1). Ski boots have a front sole section (3) with a front interaction surface associated with binding and releasing from a front ski binding, and a rear sole section (4), in a common plane (8), with a rear interaction surface associated with binding and releasing from a rear ski binding. The ski boot device of the present invention is attached to the ski boot and comprises a toe portion formed and attached to the ski boot sole (3) without interfering with the front interaction surface during binding or releasing, a heel portion formed and attached to the heel (4) of the ski boot without interfering with the rear interaction surface during binding or releasing; and a support portion (10A, 10B) provided intermediate the toe portion and heel portion and having a shaped profile which extends below the common plane and provides a contact surface during walking.