Ski Shoe Tongue Assembly Tibia Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski shoe tongues fail to effectively distribute forces across the tibia surface, leading to high-pressure points on the narrow edge of the tibia and discomfort during skiing, while also not utilizing the larger, forward-inclining surface for force transmission.
Innovation Solution
A ski shoe tongue assembly with a buffer body featuring a curved outer surface and a substantially flat tibia contact surface that aligns with the tibia, distributing forces over a larger area and reducing pressure on the muscle contact surface, potentially using different materials for the tibia and muscle contact surfaces for enhanced comfort and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional ski shoe tongue is used, then the structure is simple, but the contact area with the tibia is small and pressure is concentrated on the narrow edge
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a buffer body for general cushioning and a separate tibia contact surface element for targeted force distribution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tibia contact surface element is designed with specific local properties (flat surface geometry and appropriate material hardness) to match the tibia's surface characteristics. This local optimization ensures effective force distribution across the tibia surface without requiring complete redesign of the entire tongue assembly.
2Ease of operation
If forces are concentrated on the narrow tibia edge, then the structure is simpler, but muscle fatigue increases and comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer body is positioned to provide cushioning before forces are transmitted to the leg. This pre-cushioning effect distributes forces gradually across the tibia surface and reduces peak pressures on muscle areas, preventing fatigue before it occurs during skiing activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The tibia contact surface element acts as an intermediary between the tongue structure and the tibia. It mediates force transmission by distributing loads across the tibia surface while protecting underlying muscle tissue from excessive pressure, thereby improving comfort and reducing fatigue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tibia contact surface element is made removable, then adaptability and customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tibia contact surface element is designed to be dynamically interchangeable, allowing users to adjust the assembly based on individual needs. This dynamic configuration enables customization of hardness and surface properties while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized coupling mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a ski shoe tongue assembly (1) with an outer side for arranging against an inner side of a ski shoe (19) and an inner side for arranging against a leg for the purpose of - providing a filled space between the ski shoe (19) and the leg, comprising : - a buffer body (21, 2, 38) for providing a buffer between an inner side of a ski shoe (19) and a lower leg, having on the front side an outer surface which is curved during use for. lying against the inner side of, the ski shoe (19), - wherein the buffer body (21, 2, 38) is arranged during use in front'of the front side of the leg and in top view extends over a part of the front side of the leg, and - the buffer body (21, 2, 38) comprising, a substantially flat tibia contact surface (4) on the inner side substantially, providing congruence with a tibia for the purpose of making contact with a surface of the leg formed by the tibia of the lower leg.