Ski Heel Binding Pivot-Axis Adjustment for Vertical Release Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski bindings lack an easy and precise mechanism to adjust the force required for vertical release of the heel holder, especially in the event of a fall, which can lead to potential injuries.
Innovation Solution
A ski binding with a heel holder that features pivotable retaining elements with adjustable pivot axes, allowing for precise adjustment of the release force through an adjusting mechanism that alters the position of the pivot axes relative to the retaining elements, ensuring controlled release during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heel holder uses a fixed pivot axis for the retaining elements, then the structure is simple and robust, but the release force cannot be adjusted, leading to potential injuries during falls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pivot axis position adjustable rather than fixed. The retaining elements can pivot about different axes depending on the position of the adjusting mechanism, allowing the release force to be dynamically changed according to user needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the pivot axis position parameter to be varied through the adjusting mechanism. By changing the position of the pivot axis relative to the retaining elements, the release force parameter is directly affected, enabling precise adjustment of the force required for vertical release
2Measurement precision
If the pivot axis position is adjusted to change release force, then the release force can be precisely controlled, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly adjusts the pivot axis position parameter to control the release force. The adjusting mechanism varies the position of the pivot axis relative to the retaining elements, providing precise control over the release force parameter through a relatively straightforward mechanical adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adjusting mechanism as an intermediary component that mediates between the user's adjustment action and the pivot axis position. This intermediary allows precise control of the release force through a simple adjustment operation without requiring complex direct manipulation of the pivot axis
3Strength
If the retaining elements are made robust for reliable holding, then the holding strength is high, but the release force becomes too high, risking injury during falls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pivot axis position parameter to independently control the release force from the holding strength. By adjusting the pivot axis position, the mechanical advantage and force distribution are altered, allowing the retaining elements to maintain high holding strength while enabling controlled release at lower forces during falls
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 mechanism for easy and precise adjustment of the release force, reducing the risk of injury by ensuring controlled release of the heel holder during falls and impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The vertical axis includes four defined positions in which the retaining element body, or retaining elements, can be tensioned outwards against the restoring force of the retaining element body or can return to their initial position
Implementation Method 2
The heel holder may further comprise a cam (14) supporting a ball (15), which can be tensioned against the cam (14) by means of a spring element (16), thereby allowing a lateral release force of the heel holder (1) to be set
Implementation Method 3
The first retaining element forms a two-armed lever around the first pivot axis, and the second retaining element forms a two-armed lever around the second pivot axis
Data Source
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AI summary
Ski binding with a toe holder which, in a top view of the ski binding, defines a pivot axis transverse to a longitudinal direction (X) of the ski binding for a ski boot held by the toe holder, and a heel holder comprising: a base (2), a heel holder housing (3) projecting from the base (2), a first retaining element (4) and a second retaining element (5) which have a bearing section (43, 53), each an engagement section (41, 51) for a retaining engagement with a ski boot heel and, in the longitudinal direction (X) between the engagement section (41, 51) and the bearing section (43), a coupling section (42, 52), a support device (6, 7) which receives the retaining elements (4, 5) in the area of the bearing section (43), and an adjusting structure (8),in an engagement with the coupling section (42) of the first holding element (4) defines a pivot axis (B4) for the first holding element (4) and in an engagement with the coupling section (52) of the second holding element (5) defines a pivot axis (B5) for the second holding element (4) in a side view, each transverse to the longitudinal direction (X), wherein the holding elements (4, 5) are pivotable out of the holding engagement against a preload force (F) about the respective pivot axis (B4, B5), the adjusting structure (8) is adjustable relative to the heel holder housing (3) and the holding elements (4, 5) into different positioning positions and can be fixed in each positioning position, the adjustment of the adjusting structure (8) changes the position of the respective pivot axis (B4, B5) relative to the holding elements (4, 5) and preferably also relative to the heel holder housing (3) and thereby adjusts a release force required to release the holding engagement,and wherein the first retaining element (4) and the second retaining element (5) are parts of a single retaining element body (40), for example a U-bolt.