Ski Boot Split Shell Hinge and Memory Foam Liner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ski boot designs face challenges in boot fit, customization, and ease of use, particularly due to complex and costly custom foaming processes, and limitations in accommodating multiple users with varying foot sizes.
Innovation Solution
A ski boot system featuring a longitudinally split outer shell with a hinged connection and a selectively fastenable connector, allowing for easy opening and closing without tools, combined with a memory foam inner liner that molds to the foot for customized fit, and interchangeable sizing inserts for accommodating different foot sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a longitudinal split with hinged connection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is divided into a first shell portion and a second shell portion by a longitudinal split, allowing each portion to be independently positioned. This segmentation enables the shell to open and close more easily while maintaining structural integrity through the hinged connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged connection allows the shell portions to move dynamically between open and closed configurations. The hinge provides rotational freedom while maintaining a fixed relationship when closed, enabling easy operation without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom foaming process is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner liner is pre-formed with memory foam material that has been programmed to expand and mold to the foot shape when activated by body heat. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex custom foaming processes at the point of manufacture, reducing both process complexity and cost while maintaining precision fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory foam material undergoes parameter changes when exposed to body heat and pressure, transitioning from a compressed state to an expanded, molded state that conforms to the user's foot. This automatic parameter change provides custom fit precision without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If memory foam inner liner is used, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory foam material in the inner liner changes its physical parameters (density, shape, volume) in response to body heat and pressure, allowing it to adapt to different foot shapes and sizes. This parameter change capability provides high adaptability while the foam can be manufactured in standard configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory foam inner liner performs self-customization by automatically molding to the user's foot through the application of body heat and pressure during normal wear. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual customization processes or specialized manufacturing for each user.
4Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable sizing inserts are added, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boot system is segmented to include removable sizing inserts that can be independently added or removed from the shell. This segmentation allows different insert configurations to accommodate various foot sizes while keeping the main shell structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell is designed with universal features that can accommodate multiple sizing inserts and different inner liners. This multi-functionality allows a single shell design to serve multiple users with different foot sizes, reducing the need for completely different boot models while maintaining adaptability.
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 system provides enhanced comfort, optimized fit, and ease of use by allowing users to customize the boot fit without complex processes, and accommodates multiple users through adjustable sizing, improving overall skiing performance and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a hinged connection between the right side portion and the left side portion, the hinged connection permitting selective positioning of the outer shell between an open configuration and a closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
a memory foam inner liner that molds to the foot for customized fit
Implementation Method 3
a selectively fastenable connector extending between the right side portion and the left side portion
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a ski boot system. One embodiment includes right and left side portions formed by a longitudinal split with a hinged connection therebetween. The open configuration allows placement of an inner liner into the shell. The closed configuration restricts removal of the liner from the shell. A selectively fastenable connector and/or a selectively locking sheath extend between the right and left side portions. The selectively fastenable connector and/or the selectively locking sheath permit selective positioning of the shell between open and closed configurations. The liner of a ski boot includes a wall of material defining inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface defines an exterior having dimensions sized to compressively fit within the shell. The inner surface defines an interior having dimensions sized to receive a foot. Other embodiments are disclosed.