Ski Heel Binding Pivot Geometry for Adjustable Vertical Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski bindings for touring do not allow for adjustable vertical release values, which are crucial for personalized safety and weight reduction, while many models only offer adjustable horizontal release values.
Innovation Solution
A ski binding with a heel holder featuring adjustable retaining elements that allow for independent adjustment of both horizontal and vertical release values, utilizing a support device and pretensioning mechanism to pivot the retaining elements out of engagement, with a mechanism that can be locked in various positions to set the required release force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed vertical release value is used in touring ski bindings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different users and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanism for vertical release value with the existing heel holder structure. The adjusting structure integrates the pivot axis positioning, retaining element control, and release mechanism into a unified system that works with the coupling section, rather than adding a completely separate adjustment device.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element serves multiple functions: it holds the heel in the heel cup during normal operation, controls the pivot axis position for vertical release adjustment, and acts as part of the release mechanism itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
2Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials and simplified structure are used in touring ski bindings, then the weight is reduced, but the reliability of release mechanism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of vertical release adjustment from complex mechanical systems and implements it through a simplified mechanism based on pivot axis positioning. By focusing on the core function of controlling release force through geometric arrangement rather than complex spring systems, the design achieves reliability with reduced weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the release mechanism from force-based adjustment to geometry-based adjustment. By modifying the position of the pivot axis relative to the retaining element, the release force is controlled through lever arm length changes rather than through complex spring force adjustments, simplifying the system while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot axis position is fixed relative to retaining elements, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability for different release forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pivot axis position dynamic rather than fixed. The adjusting structure allows the pivot axis position to be changed relative to the retaining element, enabling different release force settings. This dynamic positioning is achieved through movable components that maintain precise relative positions during each configured state.
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
Enables customizable release forces for both vertical and horizontal directions, enhancing safety and reducing weight by allowing for tailored adjustments, thus improving the user experience in ski touring.
Implementation Method 1
a pretensioning device against whose pretensioning force the retaining elements can be pivoted out of the retaining engagement about the respective pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
the first retaining element and the second retaining element can be pivoted out of the holding engagement about respective pivot axes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
Ski binding with a toe holder which, in a top view of the ski binding, defines a pivot axis for a ski boot held by the toe holder transversely to a longitudinal direction of the ski binding, and a heel holder comprising: a base, a heel holder housing projecting from the base, a first retaining element and a second retaining element, each having an engagement section for a retaining engagement with a ski boot heel, a bearing section and, in the longitudinal direction between the engagement section and the bearing section, a coupling section, a support device which receives the retaining elements in the area of the respective bearing section, an actuating structure which, in an engagement with the coupling section of the first retaining element, defines a pivot axis for the first retaining element and, in an engagement with the coupling section of the second retaining element, a pivot axis for the second retaining element, in a side view, each transversely to the longitudinal direction.and a pre-tensioning device against whose pre-tensioning force the retaining elements can be pivoted out of the holding engagement about the respective pivot axis, wherein the adjusting structure is adjustable to different positioning positions relative to the heel retainer housing and the retaining elements and can be fixed in each of the positioning positions, and wherein the adjustment of the adjusting structure changes the position of the respective pivot axis relative to the retaining elements and preferably also relative to the heel retainer housing, thereby changing a release force required to release the holding engagement.