Snowboard Binding Orientation Actuator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowboard binding adjustment devices require users to remove their boots to adjust the orientation, leading to complex designs and limited immobilization angles, making it difficult for snowboarders, especially beginners, to comfortably use ski lifts.
Innovation Solution
A device with a disk and locking member that allows remote control of the binding orientation via an actuator, enabling angular adjustment without removing the boot, using a remote control or smartphone signal to move retractable teeth between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the binding to rotate around a vertical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual locking members are used to adjust binding orientation, then the binding can be immobilized at adjustable angles, but the device design becomes complex and the user must remove boots to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical locking system with an automated actuator system. The actuator automatically positions the locking member to engage with teeth on the ring at predetermined angles, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms and boot removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding adjustment system performs self-service through the actuator automatically positioning and locking the binding at predetermined angles. The system serves itself by automatically engaging locking members with corresponding teeth without requiring user intervention or boot removal.
2Reliability
If manual locking members are used to adjust binding orientation, then the binding can be immobilized, but the user must systematically remove boots from bindings to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated actuator system that can be controlled without removing boots. The actuator reliably positions locking members to engage with teeth on the ring, maintaining secure immobilization while allowing easy adjustment through electronic or wireless control.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. Instead of directly manipulating locking members while boots are removed, the user controls the actuator which then automatically positions and engages the locking members, maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the binding orientation is adjusted with limited angles, then the immobilization angle is reduced to about ten degrees, but the user comfort on ski lifts is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment system with multiple predetermined angles (e.g., 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°) that allows the binding orientation to be changed according to different situations. This enables users to optimize both immobilization and comfort for different activities, including ski lift usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the binding to multiple predetermined angles using an actuator mechanism. By providing discrete angular positions including 90 degrees, the system allows users to adjust binding orientation for different purposes, improving both immobilization capability and ski lift usability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for setting the orientation of a boot binding on a snowboard includes a disk fixable to the board, the binding being mounted to be able to rotate in relation to the disk about a vertical axis of rotation, at least one locking method mounted adjustably between a locked position where it immobilizes the binding in relation to the disk, and an unlocked position where it allows the rotation of the binding around the axis of rotation for an angular adjustment of the binding in relation to the board, the displacement of the locking method is ensured by an actuator, that is remotely controllable, and a locking method and an actuator that are installed in the disk so that: the actuator can be actuated when the boot is retained in the binding and, the locking method is movable by the actuator when the boot is retained in the binding.