Cross-Country Skiing Sole Chassis and Insert Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cross-country ski boot soles fail to balance rigidity for force transmission, weight minimization, comfort, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in supporting both 'classic' and 'skating' techniques, with existing solutions being either expensive or suboptimal.
Innovation Solution
A sole composed of two main components: a chassis frame and a second component insert, where the insert provides necessary rigidity and flexibility by using different materials for optimal performance, with the chassis made from a single material like polyurethane or Pebax and the insert from a more rigid or flexible material depending on the skiing style, assembled via injection molding to ensure structural integrity and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the sole is made with significant rigidity and resistance to support binding and transmit forces, then force transmission and binding support are improved, but weight increases and comfort during walking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is divided into multiple components: a first component forming a chassis and a second component assembled to it. This segmentation allows different regions of the sole to have different mechanical properties, enabling rigidity where needed for force transmission while maintaining flexibility in other areas for comfort and weight reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The second component is configured to provide specific local properties: a front part extending longitudinally in the front part of the sole for enhanced rigidity in the forward rolling area, while other parts may have different characteristics. This local differentiation optimizes both force transmission and comfort without uniformly increasing weight.
2Strength
If the sole is made with significant rigidity for force transmission, then binding support is improved, but comfort during walking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sole into a chassis and a second component, the invention creates distinct functional zones. The chassis provides structural support while the second component with its specific front part configuration provides localized rigidity for binding support, allowing the rest of the sole to remain more compliant for walking comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The second component's front part extending longitudinally provides localized rigidity exactly where binding support is needed, while the rest of the sole structure maintains flexibility for comfortable walking. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between rigidity for binding support and flexibility for comfort.
3Reliability
If a complex sole with several assembled components is used to meet requirements, then performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sole is segmented into two main components rather than several complex components. This simplified segmentation achieves the necessary performance through strategic placement of the second component with its front part, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to more complex multi-component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The second component combines multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement, defines the binding interface area, and contributes to the overall rigidity profile. By merging these functions into a single component rather than using separate elements, manufacturing complexity and cost are reduced while maintaining performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
Sports shoe sole (20), in particular cross-country skiing sole, comprising a first component (1) forming a chassis and at least one second component (21) assembled to the first component (1), characterized in that the second component (21) comprises an anterior part (32) extending substantially longitudinally in the anterior part of the sole (20).