Cross-Country Ski Mounting Plate With Dynamic Rail System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting plate systems for cross-country skis are not suitable for dynamic binding systems that allow the binding to be moved while the skier is in motion, nor are they adaptable for various binding types, including both movable and fixed bindings from different manufacturers.

Innovation Solution

A cross-country mounting plate system that incorporates a longitudinal rail within a channel in the mounting plate, allowing for the dynamic positioning of bindings and accommodating different binding types through a modular design with interchangeable components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional mounting plate is used, then the binding can be attached to the ski, but the binding cannot be moved dynamically while the skier is in motion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic positioning capabilityVSAvoidmounting system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate is divided into separate functional components: a base mounting plate that attaches to the ski, and a separate rail element that can be positioned along the plate. This segmentation allows the binding to move along the rail while maintaining secure attachment to the ski, enabling dynamic positioning without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A rail element is introduced as an intermediary component between the mounting plate and the binding. The rail acts as a guide and constraint mechanism that allows controlled movement of the binding along its length while preventing movement in other directions. This intermediary enables dynamic positioning capability without directly modifying the mounting plate or binding structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the mounting plate is made more rigid to support dynamic binding systems, then the binding can be securely mounted, but the rigidity impacts the natural properties of the ski

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting plate rigidityVSAvoidski flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into a rigid mounting plate for secure attachment and a separate rail element that provides the necessary structural support for dynamic binding systems. By distributing the structural requirements across separate components rather than requiring the entire mounting assembly to be highly rigid, the natural flexibility of the ski is preserved while still providing adequate support for dynamic binding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a fixed mounting system is used, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot accommodate different binding types from different manufacturers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting system structureVSAvoidbinding type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate incorporates a universal interface design with a standardized rail system that can accommodate multiple binding types from different manufacturers. The rail element is designed with universal engagement features that work with various binding configurations, allowing the same mounting plate to support different binding types without requiring manufacturer-specific adapters or modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic system where the rail can be positioned at different locations along the mounting plate. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same mounting plate to adapt to different binding types and configurations, providing versatility without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Extent of automation

If a dynamic binding system with electric actuator is implemented, then the binding position can be altered while in motion, but the existing mounting plates are not suitable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic binding positioningVSAvoidmounting plate compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into a base mounting plate and a separate rail component that can accommodate electric actuators. This segmentation allows the electric actuator and dynamic positioning mechanism to be integrated into the rail element rather than requiring modifications to the base mounting plate, maintaining compatibility with existing mounting plates while enabling automated dynamic positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rail element serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple mounting plates and complex dynamic binding systems with electric actuators. The rail provides a standardized interface that can accommodate various actuation mechanisms, allowing electrically actuated dynamic positioning to be implemented without requiring completely new mounting plate designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3576854B1Mounting plate with rail for a binding
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 ROTTEFELLA AS
  • EP3576854B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3576854B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3576854B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mounting system for a binding, or a binding component (2; 4) on a cross-country ski, where a mounting plate (6) is arranged on the top surface of the ski and where the mounting plate (6) comprises longitudinal side edges having a profile (33) with undercuts for longitudinal positioning and attachment of the binding or binding component (2; 4) with the aid of a complementary profile (34) on the binding or binding component (2; 4). According to the invention, the mounting plate (6) comprises a longitudinal channel (21) that houses a longitudinal rail (5), where the upper side of the rail (5) comprises at least one locking device (20; 23), and where the underside of the binding or binding component (2; 4) comprises at least one complementary locking device.