Sliding Sports Shoe Liner Connection for Articulated Collar Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ski boots hinder the skier's natural leg movement due to insufficient freedom of movement between the upper and lower parts of the inner liner, particularly during walking and ski touring, leading to increased effort and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connecting element is integrated into the upper part of the inner liner to cooperate with a retaining element on the outer shell, allowing for dynamic connection and enhanced movement, utilizing the resilience properties of the liner material to facilitate the transmission of movement between the collar and the upper part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the upper part of the inner liner is made rigid to provide structural support, then the liner can maintain its shape and provide comfort, but it cannot follow the pivoting of the collar and hinders the skier's leg movement
Solution Approach 1:
The inner liner is divided into an upper part and a lower part that can move relative to each other. The upper part is connected to the collar through a dynamic connection system that allows independent movement, enabling the rigid upper part to maintain structural support while following the collar's pivoting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
A dynamic connection system is introduced between the upper part of the liner and the collar, replacing a fixed rigid connection. This dynamic connection allows the upper part to move relative to the collar, accommodating the pivoting motion while maintaining structural integrity when needed.
2Ease of operation
If traditional notches are added to the upper part to facilitate movement, then some freedom of movement is achieved, but the notches are insufficient to allow free movement and primarily serve to prevent water entry
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding static notches, a dynamic connection system is implemented that actively enables the upper part to follow the collar's pivoting motion. This system provides genuine movement freedom rather than just creating openings for limited motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The water prevention function is separated from the movement facilitation function. The dynamic connection system focuses solely on enabling movement, while water prevention is handled by other components of the boot structure, allowing each component to specialize in its primary function.
3Ease of operation
If additional complex connecting elements and inserts are added to enable movement, then the upper part can move relative to the collar, but the device becomes bulky and complex requiring structural adaptations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements are integrated into the existing structure of the liner and collar rather than being added as separate external components. The upper part of the liner itself forms part of the connection system, merging the liner structure with the movement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic connection system serves multiple functions: it enables the upper part to follow collar pivoting, maintains structural support when needed, and allows the liner to be removable. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
4Ease of operation
If the collar is articulated to facilitate walking and ski touring movement, then the skier can move more freely, but the rigid upper part of the liner resists and hinders this movement
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is segmented into movable upper and lower parts, allowing the upper part to independently follow the collar's articulation while the lower part maintains its position for foot support. This segmentation resolves the conflict between collar mobility and liner rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the upper part and collar is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the upper part to adapt its position according to collar movement. This dynamic adaptation enables the rigid upper part to follow collar articulation without losing its structural properties.
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 solution enables smoother leg movements by eliminating or reducing the clearance between the collar and upper part of the liner, enhancing comfort and reducing effort during walking and ski touring.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the resilience properties of the liner material to facilitate the transmission of movement between the collar and the upper part
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sliding sports shoe comprising, on the one hand, a rigid outer shell (1) including an upper collar (11) articulated on a lower shaft (12) and, on the other hand, a flexible inner boot (2) formed of an upper part (21) intended to surround, at least partially, the lower leg and shin of the user and a lower part intended to surround the foot, characterized in that the upper part (21) of the boot (2) is provided with a flexible connecting element (3) projecting at the rear and outside and intended to cooperate with a retention element (10) carried by the collar (11) of the shell (1) to ensure their mutual dynamic connection.