Ski Boot Sole Stiffness Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski boot systems for modifying sole stiffness are prone to mechanical failure due to exposure to impacts and environmental factors, and can be uncomfortable for walking, as they rely on mechanical elements that are susceptible to dirt, ice, and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A ski boot with a flexible rubber sole and an external exostructure that can be stiffened by a mechanism involving sliding and swiveling portions, actuated by a hand-operated device to transition between stiff and non-stiff states, eliminating the need for mechanical elements on the sole and providing comfortable walking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical elements are arranged on the bottom face of the sole to modify stiffness, then the sole stiffness can be modified between ski position and walking position, but the mechanical elements are exposed to impacts, dirt, and ice which affect system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mechanical elements (hinge and locking device) from the sole structure and relocates them to the upper part of the boot. This allows the sole to bend freely during walking while the mechanical elements remain protected from impacts, dirt, and ice accumulation on the ground surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the hinge and locking mechanism on the bottom face of the sole as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning these mechanical elements on the upper part of the boot, thereby protecting them from harmful environmental factors while maintaining the stiffness modification function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical elements are arranged on the bottom face of the sole to modify stiffness, then the sole stiffness can be modified, but the system becomes uncomfortable when the boot is used for walking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rigid mechanical elements from the sole structure and relocates them to the upper part of the boot. This allows the sole to bend freely during walking movements, providing natural comfort, while the mechanical elements remain positioned where they do not interfere with the walking motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical elements are arranged on the bottom face of the sole to modify stiffness, then the sole stiffness can be modified, but the mechanical elements become locked due to ice formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mechanical elements from the sole structure and relocates them to the upper part of the boot, where they are not exposed to ice formation on the ground surface. This prevents the hinge and locking device from becoming locked due to ice accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the hinge and locking mechanism on the bottom face of the sole where ice accumulates, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning these mechanical elements on the upper part of the boot, thereby protecting them from ice formation and ensuring reliable operation in cold conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a ski boot comprising a boot leg (4) for a person's ankle and a vamp (5) for a person's foot, and a device for modifying the stiffness of the sole (3) suitable for reversibly switching between a stiff sole state and a non-stiff sole state. The sole (3) is a flexible body without joints, and the device for modifying the stiffness of the sole comprises a stiffening structure fixed to the sole (3) and formed by several stiff portions (6, 7, 8) of the exostructure (2) which can move in a relative manner between a locking position that impedes the bending of the sole (3) and an unlocking position that allows the bending of the sole (3), and an actuator (9) that acts on the stiffening structure and can be actuated by hand to transition from the locking position to the unlocking position and vice versa.