Single-Reel Ski Boot Tightening for Shell and Cuff Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski boots with reel-based tightening devices are complex to manufacture, limit design aesthetics, and are not intuitive to use, with a high risk of collision and damage due to multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A ski boot design featuring a single reel-based tightening device with a single traction element and redirecting members, allowing intuitive and reliable tightening around the foot and lower leg, simplifying manufacturing and reducing collision risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple reel-based tightening devices are used to achieve reliable tightening, then the tightening reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tightening functions into a single reel-based tightening device. The reel (40) winds a single traction element (16) that is routed through multiple redirecting members (44) to tension multiple cable lug devices (36) simultaneously, achieving reliable tightening of multiple flap pairs through one integrated mechanism rather than separate devices for each flap.
Solution Approach 2:
The single reel-based tightening device performs multiple tightening functions across different regions of the ski boot. By routing the traction element through redirecting members associated with different flap pairs (first pair at shell region, second pair at cuff region), one device universally handles tightening requirements for both foot and lower leg regions.
2Reliability
If multiple reel-based tightening devices are arranged on various portions of the boot, then the tightening coverage is improved, but the manufacturing steps and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reel mechanism from multiple separate locations and consolidates it into a single location on the cuff. The single reel (40) is positioned on the cuff region, and its traction element is routed through redirecting members distributed across different portions of the boot, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple reel devices at various locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The redirecting members (44) act as intermediaries that distribute the tightening force from the single reel to multiple flap pairs. These redirecting members are integrated into the flap structures themselves, serving as mediators that translate the single traction element's tension into distributed tightening across multiple regions without requiring separate actuators at each location.
3Ease of operation
If multiple reel-based tightening devices are provided, then the tightening control is improved, but the collision risk and damage likelihood increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tightening controls into a single reel-based device with one actuation element (42). This single control mechanism reduces the number of exposed mechanical components that could collide with external objects, while the redirecting members distribute the control action to multiple flap pairs, maintaining effective tightening control with fewer vulnerable parts.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single reel-based tightening device is used, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the tightening reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The redirecting members (44) serve as critical intermediaries that ensure reliable force distribution from the single reel to multiple flap pairs. Each redirecting member is integrated into its respective flap structure and guides the traction element to create balanced tension, ensuring that the single reel's tightening action is reliably transmitted to all required locations without loss of effectiveness.
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 design ensures a simple, durable, and comfortable tightening process with extensive design options, reducing manufacturing complexity and collision risk while maintaining reliability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a reel-based tightening device (18), arranged and configured to tension a second end portion (16b) of the first traction element (16) so that a preferably manual actuation, by the user, of a single actuation element (42) of the latter is adapted to cause the tightening of said at least one pair of flaps
Implementation Method 2
tension two traction cables which, through the redirecting members, are configured to associate the flaps of the boot and to operatively tighten them to each other
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a ski boot (10) comprising a shell (12), a cuff (14), at least one pair of flaps (F1, F2; F3, F4) configured and arranged at a first region (Z1) of the shell (12) and at a second region (Z2) of the cuff (14), one or more traction elements (16, 116, 216) configured to operatively tighten said at least one pair of flaps (F1, F2; F3, F4) and arranged at least partially at the first region (Z1) and at the second region (Z2), and a reel-based tightening device (18) comprising at least one actuation element (42). Specifically, the reel-based tightening device (18) is arranged and configured to tension at least one end portion (16b, 16a, 116b, 216b) of said one or more traction elements (16, 116, 216) so that an actuation of a single actuation element (42) is adapted to cause the tightening of said at least one pair of flaps (F1, F2; F3, F4) at the first region (Z1) and at the second region (Z1).