Ski Boot Transversal Locking Band Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mountaineering ski boot foot-case closing mechanisms, as described in existing patents, have limitations in adaptability and may include protruding metallic elements that could cause damage during use.
Innovation Solution
A transversal locking band with a flexible and inextensible structure, integrated with a manually-operated coupling assembly, allows the foot-case closing mechanism to selectively lock the foot-case or cuff, enhancing adaptability and eliminating protruding metallic elements by adjusting the locking configuration based on user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional lever closing buckle is used, then the foot-case can be tightened against the user's foot, but protruding metallic elements may cause damage during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metallic elements from the closing mechanism by using a flexible strip made of plastic or composite material instead. This extraction of harmful metallic components eliminates the damage risk while preserving the tightening function through the flexible strip and fairlead members system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the closing mechanism from metallic to flexible plastic/composite material. This parameter change allows the mechanism to maintain tightening capability while eliminating the harmful metallic elements that could cause damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid closing mechanism is used, then the foot-case can be tightly secured, but the mechanism lacks adaptability to different use conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic element through the flexible strip that can be configured in different positions (tightening the foot-case or extending to tighten the cuff). This dynamic configuration allows the mechanism to adapt to different use conditions while maintaining stability when locked in position.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible strip serves multiple functions: it can tighten the foot-case against the foot, extend to tighten the cuff against the leg, or be positioned in intermediate configurations. This multi-functionality provides adaptability to different use conditions while the rigid foot-case and cuff maintain structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible closing mechanism is used, then adaptability is improved, but the mechanism may lack the rigidity needed for secure locking
Solution Approach 1:
The closing mechanism is segmented into the flexible strip for adjustment and the rigid fairlead members for locking. The flexible strip provides adaptability through its flexibility, while the rigid fairlead members anchored to the foot-case or cuff provide the necessary locking strength when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible strip acts as an intermediary between the user's adjustment action and the rigid foot-case/cuff structure. It transmits the tightening force while allowing configuration flexibility, and when engaged with the fairlead members, it transfers the load to the rigid structure for secure locking.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A ski boot (1) comprising: a substantially rigid foot-case (2), which is adapted to accommodate the user's foot and has the lower part structured to couple with a ski binding device; a substantially rigid cuff (3), which is adapted to surround the lower part of the user's leg, and is pivotally joined to the foot-case (2) so as to be able to rotate about a reference axis (A) substantially perpendicular to the midplane of the ski boot; and foot-case closing means (15) which are adapted to selectively close/tighten the foot-case (2) on the user's foot and comprise: an oblong, transversal locking band (18) with a flexible and substantially inextensible structure, which extends transversally to the midplane of the ski boot, astride of and flush to the protective tongue or gaiter (13, 201), and has a first end firmly fixed to a first lateral side of the foot-case (2); and a manually-operated coupling assembly (19), which is adapted to connect the second end of the transversal locking band (18) selectively and alternatively to the foot-case (2) or to the cuff (3), at a second lateral side of the foot-case (2) opposite to said first lateral side.