Ski Boot Traction Element for Comfort and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ski boots are uncomfortable and difficult to fit, especially for non-standard foot shapes, due to their hardness and restricted movement, which compromises ski control and handling.
Innovation Solution
A ski boot design featuring a soft base frame with a rigid sole and angle-variable shaft, incorporating a traction element that enhances pressure distribution and control, allowing for adaptable fit and improved mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-shell boots are used to provide direct control of the ski, then ski control and handling are improved, but comfort and adaptability to different foot shapes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ski boot is divided into multiple functional segments: a soft base frame for comfort and adaptability, a rigid sole for power transmission, and an angle-variable shaft for control. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the boot have different material properties tailored to their functions: the base frame uses soft, adaptable material for comfort, while the sole uses rigid material for power transmission. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between comfort and control.
2Force
If the entire ski boot is made from hard or stiff material to ensure ski control, then power transmission to the ski is improved, but comfort and freedom of movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The boot structure separates power transmission functions (handled by the rigid sole) from comfort and mobility functions (handled by the soft base frame and angle-variable shaft), allowing each to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is designed with angle variability, allowing it to adapt its stiffness and orientation based on the skiing situation. This dynamic adjustment enables power transmission when needed while maintaining freedom of movement during transitions.
3Force
If conventional hard-shell boots are used, then direct power transmission to the ski is achieved, but normal walking becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The angle-variable shaft can be adjusted to different orientations, allowing the boot to adapt between a stiff configuration for skiing and a more flexible configuration for walking, thus providing versatility across different activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft's angle and stiffness parameters can be changed based on the activity required, enabling the same boot to perform both skiing and walking functions effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A ski boot (1) includes a base frame (2) for receiving a foot of a skier; a rigid sole (3) connected to the base frame (2); a shaft (4) for receiving a lower leg part of the skier, the shaft (4) being angularly variably connected to the base frame (2); and a traction element (12). The traction element is attached to the sole (3) and/or in a toe area of the base frame (2) and extends from there to a heel area of the sole (3). In the heel area, the traction element (12) is deflected towards the shaft (4) and is then attached to the shaft (4). By inclining the shaft (4) towards a toe region, the traction element (12) can be tensioned and, in particular, traction can be exerted on the sole (3) and/or the toe region.