Ski Touring Skin Cleat with Adjustable Strap and Studded Grip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ski touring devices, such as ski crampons, are inconvenient and inefficient for steep slopes as they require disengagement of the ski boot from the binding, localize grip forces, and have limited usability and compatibility with varying ski widths, especially in icy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A skin cleat device with an elongate strap and central studded section that can be easily attached to the ski without disengaging the boot, distributing forces to the underside of the ski, featuring adjustable and replaceable studs for enhanced grip and compatibility with multiple ski configurations.
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 ski boot must be disengaged from the binding which is inconvenient and precarious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the crampon attachment system with the ski binding system, allowing the crampon to be attached to the binding rather than requiring separate attachment to the boot. This integration enables the crampon to remain attached during normal skiing operations without requiring boot disengagement, thereby maintaining grip reliability while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding serves as an intermediary element between the crampon and the skier's boot. By attaching the crampon to the binding rather than directly to the boot, the system allows for secure crampon attachment while maintaining the normal boot-binding connection, eliminating the need for precarious boot disengagement operations.
2Reliability
If ski crampons are attached to the boot or binding, then grip is improved, but the forces are localized to attachment points rather than distributed across the ski
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the force distribution from a localized point attachment (traditional crampon attached to boot or binding) to a distributed linear attachment along the ski's length. The crampon blades extend longitudinally along the ski, distributing forces across multiple contact points and along the length of the ski, thereby reducing stress concentration at any single attachment point.
Solution Approach 2:
The crampon system is divided into multiple discrete blades or teeth that are distributed along the length of the ski. Each blade independently engages the snow or ice, distributing the gripping forces across multiple segments rather than concentrating them at a single attachment point, thereby reducing stress on any one location.
3Reliability
If traditional ski crampons are used, then grip is improved, but they are heavy and difficult to store compactly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin, flexible crampon blades or teeth that can be collapsed or folded when not in use. These thin-film structures provide sufficient grip when deployed but can be compacted to minimal volume for storage, significantly reducing the weight and storage space requirements compared to traditional rigid crampon structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The crampon components are designed to nest within each other or collapse into a compact configuration when not in use. The blades or teeth can be folded or retracted into a housing or along the ski body, allowing the crampon system to occupy minimal space and reducing the effective weight that must be carried and maneuvered.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed-width crampons are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but they do not accommodate skis of varying widths
Solution Approach 1:
The crampon system incorporates adjustable or flexible components that can adapt to different ski widths. The blades or attachment mechanism can be repositioned, extended, or contracted to match the width of various ski models, allowing a single crampon design to accommodate multiple ski widths while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular or adjustable components.
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 on steep slopes without the need to disengage the boot, allows for adjustable placement, and is compatible with various ski widths, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of ski touring by distributing forces effectively and allowing for easy stud replacement.
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
Implementation Method 2
The skin cleat includes a coupling for selectively attaching the first and second end sections. Attachment of the first and second end sections results in the formation of a continuous structure.
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.