Ski Binding Heel Piece With Low Brace Height Brake Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Free-ride ski bindings with a large brace height impair the handling characteristics of skis due to increased distance between the ski and the contact surface for the heel of the ski boot, leading to slower skiing and compromised edge pressure during cornering.
Innovation Solution
A ski binding design with a reduced brace height achieved by integrating the brake arms' pivot axis onto the base plate, eliminating the separate foot plate, and using a base body that can be shifted longitudinally relative to the base plate, along with a reinforcing structure to enhance stability and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the foot plate is separate from the base plate and fastened to the base body, then the brake arms can be pivotably mounted, but the brace height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the foot plate function into the base plate structure. The base plate is designed with a recess that receives the heel retainer, eliminating the need for a separate foot plate. This integration reduces the overall height of the heel piece, thereby reducing the brace height while maintaining the pivotable mounting capability of the brake arms through the base body's shiftable and pivotable design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base body is shiftably arranged on the base plate, then adjustment capability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is designed to be both shiftable and pivotable relative to the base plate. The shiftable arrangement allows longitudinal adjustment to optimize ski performance, while the pivotable capability enables adaptation to different skiing conditions and preferences. This dynamic design provides versatility without requiring multiple separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby managing structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the heel retainer is pivotably mounted on the base body, then the heel can be securely retained, but the brace height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heel retainer is nested within the base plate structure. The base plate contains a recess that accommodates the heel retainer, and the base body shifts and pivots within this nested arrangement. This nesting allows the heel retainer to maintain secure heel retention through pivotable movement while keeping the overall height minimized, as the components are arranged concentrically rather than stacked vertically.
Data Source
AI summary
A heel piece for a ski binding. The heel piece includes: base plate which is adapted to be fastened, for example screwed, to an upper side of a ski; a base body which is fastened to the base plate and pivotably mounts a heel retainer; and a ski brake including two brake arms. The base plate pivotably mounts the brake arms and forms a contact surface for the sole of a ski boot.