Ski Skin Cleat with Studded Strap for Ice Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ski touring devices, such as ski crampons, require skiers to disengage their boots from bindings on steep slopes, are inconvenient, and do not effectively distribute force to the underside of the ski, limiting their effectiveness and usability, especially on icy terrain.
Innovation Solution
A skin cleat device with an elongate strap and studded central section that can be attached around the ski without disengaging the boot, distributing force directly to the underside and allowing for adjustable placement and multiple units on a single ski, with replaceable studs for enhanced grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ski crampons are used to improve grip on steep slopes, then purchase is improved, but the skier must disengage the boot from the binding which is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a binding adapter as an intermediary device that connects the crampon to the binding interface. This adapter allows the crampon to be attached directly to the binding without requiring boot disengagement, thus maintaining secure attachment while improving ease of operation. The adapter serves as a mediator between the crampon and binding systems.
2Reliability
If ski crampons are attached to the boot or binding, then grip is improved, but the forces are transferred to the attachment points rather than distributed to the underside of the ski
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the force distribution from a point-based attachment (at the binding or boot) to a distributed attachment across the entire underside surface of the ski. By attaching the crampon to the ski base rather than through the binding system, the forces are distributed across the ski's undersurface area, improving force distribution while maintaining grip reliability.
3Reliability
If traditional ski crampons are used, then additional grip is provided, but they are heavy and difficult to store compactly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible materials and thin-film construction for the crampon components. The crampon uses a flexible strap system rather than rigid metal construction, and the binding adapter is designed as a thin, lightweight component. This reduces the overall weight while maintaining the gripping function through alternative mechanical means.
4Adaptability or versatility
If ski crampons with fixed width are used, then they provide dedicated attachment, but they do not accommodate skis of varying widths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable and adaptable components to the crampon system. The binding adapter features adjustable attachment points and flexible mounting options that allow the crampon to be configured for different ski widths. This dynamic adjustability enables versatility across different ski dimensions without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 skin cleat provides improved grip and ease of use by allowing attachment without boot disengagement, distributing force effectively, and accommodating various ski widths with adjustable placement and replaceable studs, enhancing ski touring efficiency on steep and icy slopes.
Implementation Method 1
The skin includes a bottom layer of short nylon or mohair fibers that extend from the base of the skin in the direction of the tail end of the skin to provide directional friction that allows the ski to glide forward but not slip backwards
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a skin cleat device for increasing grip while ski touring. The skin cleat is configured to be attached around a ski by a skier without disengaging the ski boot from the skis and can be removed and re-attached depending on the needs of the user. The skin cleat is a strap-like device that includes two end sections and a studded central section there-between. The central section is intended to be placed underneath the base of the ski and skin such that the studs extend into the snow. The two end sections can be attached together by a coupling to form a continuous structure around the waist of the ski. Using the coupling, the structure can be tightened around the ski securing it in place and preventing the skin cleat from rotating around the ski or the studs from moving substantially when in use.