Snowboard Binding Footbed with Adjustment Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowboard bindings lack efficient adjustment indicators for precise positioning on the board, making it difficult for riders to accurately mount and adjust bindings for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A snowboard binding system featuring a removable footbed with adjustment indicators and a separate indicator element that provides visual cues for heel-to-toe and angular positioning, allowing riders to accurately align the binding on the board, and a base that can be used as a conventional 'baseless' binding with adjustable toe ramps for different boot types and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional baseless binding is used without adjustment indicators, then the binding structure remains simple, but the rider cannot accurately position the binding on the board for optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indicator element as an intermediary component between the footbed and the board. This indicator element provides visual references (such as alignment marks or color codes) that mediate the positioning process, enabling the rider to accurately align the binding with the board without complicating the overall binding structure. The indicator element can be a separate component or integrated into the footbed, serving purely as a positioning aid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes or color-coded indicators to provide visual cues for binding positioning. Different colors or color patterns on the indicator element correspond to different binding positions or orientations, allowing the rider to quickly and accurately position the binding without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This visual indication system simplifies the positioning process while maintaining binding structure simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed footbed design is used, then the binding structure remains simple, but it cannot accommodate various boot types and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the footbed into separate, interchangeable components or modules that can be configured to accommodate different boot types and sizes. Instead of a single fixed footbed design, the system allows riders to select or adjust specific footbed elements (such as heel cups, toe ramps, or arch supports) to match their boot characteristics. This segmentation enables versatility without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire footbed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable or dynamic elements within the footbed that can be modified to suit different boot types and sizes. These may include adjustable toe ramps, movable heel supports, or flexible positioning mechanisms that allow the footbed to adapt to various boot geometries. The dynamic nature of these elements provides adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall footbed structure that can be easily adjusted rather than completely redesigned.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing a gliding board binding, such as a snowboard binding. The binding may include an adjustment indicator that allows for determination of a longitudinal position of the base relative to a gliding board, heel-to-toe position of the base relative to a gliding board and/or an angular position of the base relative to a gliding board when the base is secured to the gliding board. The adjustment indicator may be included with a footbed that is removable from a binding base, e.g., that includes a foot engagement member to secure a rider's foot to the binding and board. A removable footbed may include a toe portion that is adjustable in position relative to a heel portion of the footbed. A gliding board may include a channel for mounting a binding that is arranged in the board core so that no portion of the board core is located on top or bottom sides of the channel, and instead so the top and bottom reinforcement layers are located above and below the channel.