Ski Boot Strap Device to Reduce Tongue Opening Effort and Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ski boot users face difficulty and inefficiency when manually moving the tongue forward to create a larger opening for foot insertion, making it time-consuming to put on the boot.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flexible attachment member, including a main strap and strap retention member, is removably attached to the ski boot, allowing the tongue to be easily opened and held in position using hook and loop material, with side straps for additional assistance in pulling the boot on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the tongue is moved forward manually to provide a larger opening for insertion, then the opening size increases, but the operation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A strap device is introduced as an intermediary tool between the user and the tongue. The strap connects to the tongue and allows the user to pull the tongue forward without direct manual manipulation, significantly reducing the time and effort required to open the boot for foot insertion
2Area of moving object
If the tongue is moved forward manually to provide a larger opening, then the opening size increases, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap serves as a mechanical intermediary that transforms the user's pulling action into effective tongue movement. By attaching to the tongue and extending to the user's hand, the strap provides mechanical advantage and makes tongue manipulation significantly easier and more convenient
Solution Approach 2:
The opening mechanism is segmented into two independent functions: tongue movement (controlled by the strap) and foot insertion. This segmentation allows the tongue to be positioned optimally for comfort and access without requiring the user to simultaneously manage both tongue positioning and foot insertion
3Ease of operation
If a device is added to aid tongue movement, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is made of flexible material that can be easily conform ed to the boot and tongue shape. This flexibility simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining ease of operation, as the soft material adapts to various positions and requires minimal structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system incorporates dynamic elements including movable loops and adjustable attachment points. This allows the device to adapt to different boot sizes and user preferences without requiring complex fixed structures, maintaining simplicity while providing versatility
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
Enables quick and efficient opening of the ski boot opening and aids in easily slipping on the boot, reducing the effort required by the wearer.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second ends of the main strap include an adjacent portion of a hook and loop material for removably attaching the second end of the strap to the first end of the strap
Implementation Method 2
A flexible attachment member can be removably attached to the ski boot. The flexible attachment member includes a strap retention member. A main strap has a first end attached to the flexible attachment member. The flexible attachment member can be received around the ski boot
Data Source
AI summary
A device for aiding putting on a ski boot includes a flexible attachment member removably attached to the ski boot. The flexible attachment member includes a strap retention member at a front end. An end of a main strap is attached at a rear end of the flexible retention member. The other end of the main strap is threaded through the strap retention member and through a loop positioned on a tongue of the ski boot. The main strap is pulled to move the tongue toward the front of the ski boot to increase the opening into the ski boot. After the tongue is in an open position, the ends of the main strap are attached to one another to keep the tongue in an open position. A pair of side straps attached to the main strap can be pulled upwardly on either side of the ski boot to aid in pulling the ski boot onto the foot of the wearer.