Ski Boot Tibial Connection With Adjustable Rigid Rod Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ski boots are rigid, uncomfortable, and lack flexibility, leading to misalignment and discomfort during skiing, with limited adjustability and poor thermal insulation, aerodynamics, and difficulty in adapting to different snow conditions or seasons.
Innovation Solution
A device for connecting the lower leg to a ski binding with a tibial connection system featuring a rigid rod and articulation means, allowing for translation and rotation, integrated into a lightweight footwear assembly with adjustable pivot connections and ventilation, eliminating misalignment and enhancing comfort and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid plastic shell and clamping members are used to provide structural support and retention, then strength and stability are improved, but weight increases and comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is divided into two independent portions: a rigid foot portion and a flexible lower leg portion. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the foot portion maintains structural integrity while the lower leg portion reduces weight and increases comfort through flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different rigidity characteristics are applied to different parts of the boot. The foot portion uses rigid plastic for structural support, while the lower leg portion uses flexible materials to reduce weight and improve comfort. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and weight.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid sealed shell is used to protect against outside elements, then protection is improved, but thermal insulation deteriorates due to trapped humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is segmented into a rigid foot portion providing protection and a flexible lower leg portion allowing breathability. This segmentation enables the protected foot area to remain sealed while the flexible portion accommodates moisture management and thermal regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower leg portion uses flexible materials that can adapt to movement and potentially incorporate breathable properties, contrasting with the rigid sealed foot portion. This flexibility allows for better moisture management while maintaining protection where needed.
3Strength
If rigid plastic materials are used for the boot shell, then strength is improved, but flexibility and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The boot structure is segmented into rigid and flexible portions, allowing the foot area to benefit from rigid protection while the lower leg area gains flexibility for comfort and movement. This resolves the contradiction by applying rigidity only where structurally necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are assigned to different locations: rigid plastic for the foot portion requiring strength, and flexible materials for the lower leg portion requiring comfort. This local quality differentiation simultaneously achieves both strength and flexibility.
4Ease of operation
If adjustable articulation means are added to improve flexibility, then comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the foot portion and lower leg portion is made dynamic and adjustable, allowing the articulation characteristics to be modified according to user needs. This dynamic capability improves comfort while the modular nature helps manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable articulation mechanism serves multiple functions: providing flexibility, accommodating different morphologies, and adapting to various skiing conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive comfort and performance benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
Device for connecting the lower leg of a skier, with a foot and an ankle axis, to a ski binding mounted on a ski board, comprising a footwear assembly, a tibial connection with at least one rigid rod, where the at least one rigid rod comprises an upper end securely attached to the lower leg, and a lower end which is pivoting with respect to the footwear assembly.