Ski Heel Binding Auxiliary Lever Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combined downhill and touring ski bindings face challenges in easily, quickly, and reliably adjusting from downhill to touring positions, and lack a simple and reliable ski brake mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A heel holder with a base plate attached to the ski, a connection structure, a clamping device, a locking mechanism, and a sliding mechanism that allows automatic or manual movement from the riding to walking position, featuring a locking lever, pressure device, and a spindle plate for controlled position changes, along with a ski brake safety device for secure transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to securely lock the heel holder in downhill or touring positions, then the reliability of position locking is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition locking reliabilityVSAvoidbinding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate modular components: a locking lever with engagement elements, a separate locking mechanism body, and distinct positioning features for downhill and touring modes. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the heel holder in the correct position (downhill or touring) based on the configuration of the binding. The engagement elements and locking lever work together to provide self-latching functionality, reducing the need for complex manual intervention while maintaining reliable position locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a sliding mechanism is added to enable automatic or manual movement from riding to walking position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition transition easeVSAvoidmechanism structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding mechanism incorporates a movable connection structure that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. The mechanism allows the heel holder to slide smoothly between touring and downhill positions through a combination of manual input and automatic spring-driven movement, providing ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding mechanism includes spring elements that automatically propel the connection structure from the touring position to the downhill position once unlocked. This self-service feature reduces the manual effort required for position transitions, improving ease of operation without requiring a complex actuation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the heel holder is designed to be firmly connected to the ski base plate, then the stability of the binding is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding stabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate connection system is divided into separate components: the base plate itself, mounting elements for attachment to the ski, and the connection structure linking the heel holder to the base plate. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently using standard processes, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining stable assembly through precise fitting features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2762209B1Heel binding with auxiliary lever
Publication Date: 2016.11.16 MARKER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP2762209B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2762209B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2762209B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The support (1) has a base board (2) fastened with an upper surface of a ski. An interconnect structure (3) and a clamping apparatus (4) are secured on a ski boot. A sole holder is provided with a shift mechanism, and moves from driving position to walking position. A locking mechanism is provided with a locking lever (15) and latched in driving position. Parts of the support are reversed to change the base board from the driving position into the walking position. The locking lever locks the support with a pressure body (13) in the driving position and the walking position.