Ski Boot Stiffness Mechanism with Blocking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski boots fail to completely prevent shell flexing during 'ski mode' despite attempts to increase stiffness, as prior art devices only partially restrict flexing at relief cuts or slots.
Innovation Solution
A stiffness mechanism that includes a buckle assembly, a blocking assembly, and a lever assembly, allowing the cuff to be secured to the shell in 'ski mode' and the blocking assembly to be disposed within flexibility slots to maximize stiffness, while enabling cuff pivoting and flexibility slot disengagement in 'walk mode'.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a blocking mechanism is disposed within the relief cut to restrict shell flexing, then shell stiffness is increased, but the shell can still flex partially and does not achieve maximum stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking assembly is pre-positioned within the relief cut in a retracted position that allows shell flexing during walk mode. When the cuff is secured to the shell in ski mode, the blocking assembly is automatically moved into a blocking position that completely prevents relief cut flexing, achieving maximum shell stiffness without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking assembly is integrally formed with the cuff assembly and moves automatically with cuff movements. When the cuff is secured to the shell, the blocking assembly self-actuates into the blocking position through the mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and ensuring reliable stiffness enhancement.
2Ease of operation
If the cuff is pivotally secured to the shell to allow walking motion, then ease of operation is improved, but shell stiffness is reduced during skiing
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff assembly is designed with a pivotal connection to the shell that allows dynamic adjustment between two states: a walk mode where the cuff can pivot relative to the shell for flexible movement, and a ski mode where the cuff is secured to the shell with the blocking assembly engaged to maximize stiffness. The system adapts its mechanical properties based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support to the shell, enables pivotal movement for walking, and when secured, activates the blocking assembly to prevent relief cut flexing for maximum stiffness during skiing. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between flexibility and stiffness requirements.
3Ease of operation
If relief cuts are provided in the shell to allow flexing, then ease of operation is improved, but shell stiffness is reduced and cannot be fully restored
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking assembly acts as an intermediary element within the relief cut. It does not eliminate the relief cut structure itself, which maintains walking flexibility, but instead provides a movable blocking component that can be positioned to completely prevent flexing when needed. This intermediary mechanism restores full shell stiffness while preserving the underlying flexible structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A stiffness mechanism for a boot having a shell with a flexibility slot and a cuff pivotally secured to the shell includes a buckle assembly selectively engageable with a portion of the shell for selectively securing the cuff to the shell. A blocking assembly is selectively disposable within the flexibility slot for selectively increasing the stiffness of the shell. A lever assembly is pivotally disposed between the buckle assembly and the blocking assembly. When the lever assembly is moved into a first position, the cuff is secured to the shell and a portion of the blocking assembly is disposed within the flexibility slot to increase the stiffness of the shell. When the lever assembly is moved into a second position, the cuff is pivotal with respect to the shell and the blocking assembly is at least partially disengaged from the flexibility slot to increase the flexibility of the shell.