Ski Jumping Boot Binding with Dual Tension Bands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ski binding systems for ski jumping and flying fail to effectively control both the angle of attack between the ski boot sole and the ski, as well as the torsional behavior around the ski's longitudinal axis, leading to instability and limited control during the flight phase.

Innovation Solution

A binding system comprising a ski jumping boot with a front sole holder and an adjustable heel holding device featuring two flexible tension members that can be individually adjusted in length, combined with a movable calf spoiler that can move in two planes, allowing for precise control of the ski's orientation and horizontal guidance during flight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single centrally located tension band is used to connect the boot heel to the ski, then the boot heel can be lifted to a predetermined height, but the ski may twist around its longitudinal axis during the flight phase due to V-jumping style

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboot heel liftingVSAvoidski torsional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The single tension band is divided into two separate tension bands (first and second tension bands) that connect the boot heel to opposite sides of the ski. This segmentation prevents the ski from twisting around its longitudinal axis during flight by distributing the lifting force symmetrically, while still allowing the boot heel to be lifted to the predetermined height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If existing binding systems regulate only the angle of attack between the boot sole and ski, then the boot can be positioned at the correct angle, but the torsional behavior around the longitudinal axis of the jumping ski remains uncontrolled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle of attack controlVSAvoidtorsional control
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The binding system adds control in a new dimension by using two tension bands connected to opposite sides of the ski, in addition to the existing angle of attack regulation. This provides torsional control around the longitudinal axis while maintaining the predetermined angle of attack between the boot sole and ski.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If the tension member is made non-stretchable to provide secure hold, then the boot heel is firmly retained, but the ability to adjust and release the boot heel is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention strengthVSAvoidboot heel release
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tension bands are made stretchable to a limited extent, allowing dynamic adjustment during operation. The bands can be stretched to release or adjust the boot heel position, and then return to their original length to provide secure retention during flight, combining both strong holding and easy release capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2430933B1Ski jumping boot and binding system comprising a jumping boot and a ski binding
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 RASS TOM
  • EP2430933B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2430933B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2430933B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The binding has a front holding device of a sole of a ski shoe (5), and a heel holding device (1) withdrawn from a ski and connected to the ski. The holding device allows withdrawing of a heel up to a predetermined height. The holding device comprises a connecting piece (4) connected with the heel of the ski shoe. A flexible tension member (3) is connected with a jumping ski (2) at an opposite side. The connecting piece is slidingly arranged on the tension member, which exhibits a device for height limitation of the connecting piece.