Ski Brake Locking Slider Mechanism for Secure Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski bindings lack a simple, inexpensive, and reliable safety device for securing the ski brake in a locked position, especially during transport or touring, which can lead to unintentional activation of the braking function.
Innovation Solution
A ski binding with a slide-based safety element that can be moved linearly along the ski brake's longitudinal axis, featuring a stiff wire or metal sheet slider with a Velcro control element and locking mechanism, allowing easy operation by hand or ski pole, and preventing unintentional release or engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism for the ski brake is added, then the reliability of securing the ski brake in a locked position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking element with locking arms that can be independently positioned, a separate control element for actuation, and engagement features integrated into the brake structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through its automatic engagement and disengagement features. The locking arms automatically engage with the brake structure when the control element is actuated, and the spring element automatically returns the locking element to its proper position, eliminating the need for complex control systems or manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of holding the ski brake in locked position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control element acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the locking arms. By manipulating the control element, the user indirectly actuates the locking arms through a series of mechanical linkages, making the operation intuitive and easy while ensuring reliable engagement of the locking arms with the brake structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element is designed with a curved or elongated shape that projects from the heel holder, making it easily accessible and simple to grasp and manipulate by hand or with a ski pole. This ergonomic design simplifies operation while the underlying mechanical linkages ensure reliable locking.
3Reliability
If the locking element is made complex to prevent unintentional release, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-release protection is extracted as a separate functional feature integrated into the existing locking element structure rather than adding a completely separate safety mechanism. The locking arms and control element are designed with inherent features that prevent unintentional disengagement, such as engaged positions and mechanical interlocks, without requiring additional complex components.
4Manufacturing precision
If a rigid wire or metal sheet slider is used for the locking element, then the manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the weight of the ski brake increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element can be manufactured from different materials with varying density and mechanical properties. By selecting appropriate materials and optimizing the cross-sectional dimensions of the rigid wire or metal sheet, the design achieves the necessary strength and precision for reliable locking while minimizing the weight of the ski brake assembly.
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
The solution provides a reliable and easy-to-operate safety mechanism that securely holds the ski brake in a locked position during transport or touring, preventing accidental activation and ensuring the ski brake remains engaged or disengaged as needed.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a stiff wire or metal sheet slider with a Velcro control element
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
Ski binding, for example a downhill binding or a combined downhill and touring binding, with a toe holder for holding a front end of a ski boot, a heel holder for holding a rear end of a ski boot, with a base (31) via which the heel holder is connected or connectable to a ski, a ski brake (10) arranged between the toe holder and the heel holder and movable back and forth between a first position in which the ski brake (10) does not perform a braking function and a second position in which the ski brake (10) can brake the ski, and a locking element (20) for the ski brake (10) with which the ski brake (10) can be secured in the first position, wherein the locking element (20) is a slider (20).which is preferably linearly displaceable along a central longitudinal axis (L) of the ski brake (10) from a release position for the ski brake (10) to a locking position for the ski brake (10) in the first position.