Cross-Country Ski Cleat Layout for Adjustable Pivot Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ski shoe cleat arrangements lack adjustability in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, limiting their ability to optimize the pivot point for individual user biomechanics, skiing technique, and injury prevention.
Innovation Solution
A cleat arrangement for ski shoes that allows adjustable positioning of the pivot point in both longitudinal and transverse directions, utilizing tracks and stadium holes on the shoe and cleat interfaces to ensure precise alignment with a reference point under the heel, enabling multiple positioning options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cleat position is fixed at a predetermined location, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to individual user biomechanics and skiing styles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat arrangement is divided into multiple discrete components: a cleat body with a first interface for the shoe sole and a second interface for the binding. The cleat can be positioned at multiple predetermined locations along the longitudinal axis, with each position having specific engagement features that allow selective mounting. This segmentation enables users to choose different pivot points based on their foot shape and skiing style while keeping each individual cleat unit relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds longitudinal position variability to the traditional fixed cleat arrangement. By introducing multiple predetermined positions along the longitudinal axis of the shoe sole, the system transitions from a single fixed position to multiple selectable positions, thereby increasing adaptability without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot point position is made adjustable in both longitudinal and transverse directions, then the adaptability to optimize performance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat arrangement segments the adjustment capability into discrete predetermined positions rather than continuous adjustment. The cleat body includes a first interface with multiple engagement features at different longitudinal positions, and the shoe sole includes corresponding features at matched positions. This segmentation allows for easy manufacturing of discrete components that can be assembled at different locations, avoiding the complexity of continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The predetermined positions for the cleat are pre-configured during the manufacturing process. The engagement features at different longitudinal and transverse positions are prepared in advance on both the cleat body and the shoe sole, allowing users to select and mount the cleat at the optimal position without requiring complex adjustment procedures or additional manufacturing steps during use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple predetermined positions are provided for the cleat, then the adaptability to different skiing styles is improved, but the ease of operation for quick positioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat arrangement segments the positioning options into discrete, pre-defined locations that are easily identifiable and accessible. The first interface on the cleat body and the corresponding features on the shoe sole are designed with clear engagement mechanisms at each predetermined position, allowing users to quickly select and mount the cleat at the desired location without confusion or complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple predetermined positions and their corresponding engagement features are pre-configured during manufacturing, making them ready for immediate use. Users can simply select the appropriate position based on their skiing style and proceed with mounting without needing to perform complex measurement or adjustment procedures, as all positioning options are prepared in advance.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~2f
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleats arrangement for ski shoes for cross-country skiing, wherein the cleat 1 has an underside 2 and a top side 3, wherein the underside comprises a binding portion, which is configured to be connected to a binding portion 8 of a ski, wherein the binding portions are configured to pivot about a pivot point 5, traveling perpendicularly with the longitudinal centre of the ski, wherein the top side of the cleat has an interface 6, which is to abut around a corresponding interface 7 under the front portion of the ski shoe. According to the invention, the interface 7 under the front portion of the ski shoe comprises a number of tracks 9, wherein the interface 6 of the cleat 1 has tracks 10 corresponding to the tracks of the interface under the front portion of the ski shoe 8, the tracks being configured, so that the cleat can be located at a desired point in the longitudinal direction and/or of the ski shoe to adjust the pivot point 5 concurrently with a reference point under the heel of the shoe always coinciding with a longitudinal reference line on the ski, so that the heel is always centred on the ski in the transverse direction.