Ski Boot Tip Stiffening Insert for Binding Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ski boots for ski-mountaineering and Telemark require a transversal insert that allows the tip to be clamped in two distinct points along the lateral sides for enhanced structural stiffness and compatibility with various ski binding devices.
Innovation Solution
A ski boot design featuring a transversal metal insert with conjugated coupling areas on the lateral sides of the tip, allowing engagement and clamping by the locking clamp of the ski binding device, ensuring firm anchoring and compatibility with multiple binding systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single clamping point is used in the tip of the shell, then the structure is simpler, but the structural stiffness and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transversal insert is segmented into multiple coupling ends (first and second conjugated coupling ends) that surface at different lateral sides of the tip. This segmentation allows the binding device to clamp at multiple distinct points along the lateral sides of the tip, distributing the clamping force and enhancing structural stiffness without requiring a completely complex new insert design.
Solution Approach 2:
The transversal insert is designed with multiple coupling ends that can engage with various types of ski binding devices (Telemark and ski-mountaineering systems). This multi-functionality allows a single insert design to provide enhanced stiffness while being compatible with different binding systems, reducing the need for multiple specialized insert designs.
2Strength
If a complex transversal insert with multiple coupling points is used, then the structural stiffness is improved, but the compatibility with various ski binding devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transversal insert incorporates both first and second conjugated coupling ends that are positioned and dimensioned to be compatible with different types of ski binding devices. The coupling ends can engage with Telemark binding devices and ski-mountaineering binding devices, allowing the same insert design to work across multiple binding systems while maintaining enhanced structural stiffness through multi-point clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert design allows for variation in clamping parameters (position, orientation, and engagement method) to accommodate different binding device types. By adjusting which coupling ends engage and how they engage, the system maintains compatibility across different binding systems while still achieving enhanced stiffness through multiple engagement points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the insert surfaces at multiple lateral sides, then the compatibility and adaptability are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is segmented into distinct coupling ends that can be independently positioned and engaged. This segmentation allows each coupling end to be optimized for specific binding device types, improving adaptability. The segmented structure also provides tolerance for manufacturing variations, as not all coupling ends need to engage simultaneously, reducing the cumulative precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple coupling ends are designed with universal engagement characteristics that accommodate variations in binding device geometries. This universality reduces the need for extremely precise positioning, as the coupling ends can engage with different binding types within a range of tolerances, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Ski boot (1) comprising a rigid shell (2) that is shaped so as to accommodate the foot of the user, and a rigid cuff (3) that is shaped to as to surround the ankle of the user, and is pivotally jointed to the shell (2) so as to be able to pivot about a rotation axis (A) substantially perpendicular to the midplane of the boot; the shell (2) comprising a substantially basin-shaped, rigid casing (6) which is shaped so as to be able to accommodate therein the foot of the user, and a transversal stiffening insert (9) which is embedded inside the bottom wall (8) of the casing (6) at the tarsophalangeal region of the sole of the foot, and is structured so as to emerge/surface on the outside of the rigid casing (6) on opposite sides of the midplane of the boot, at the two lateral sides (10) of the tip (4) of the shell; the transversal stiffening insert (9) being provided with two first conjugated coupling ends (14) that surface on the outside of the rigid casing (6) along the two lateral sides (10) of the tip of the shell (4), on opposite sides of the midplane of the boot, and are structured so as to be engaged and clamped in an axially rotating manner about a transversal reference axis (B) by the toe piece of the ski binding device, and of two second conjugated coupling ends (16) that surface on the outside of the rigid casing (6) along the two lateral sides (10) of the tip of the shell (4), on opposite sides of the midplane of the boot, spaced beside said first conjugated coupling ends (14).