Snowboard Binding Magnetic Docking Hands-Free
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snowboard bindings require manual strap tightening, limiting users from riding directly from a ski lift to a slope, and step-in bindings use heavier, stiffer boots that compromise comfort and control.
Innovation Solution
A snowboard binding system comprising a board base permanently attached to the snowboard and a binding base secured to the boot, allowing hands-free docking and locking through magnetic attraction and rotational mechanisms, enabling secure attachment without manual strap tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual strap tightening is used to secure the boot to the snowboard, then the boot can be held securely in the binding, but the user cannot ride directly from a ski lift to a slope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical strap tightening system with an automatic mechanical engagement system. The binding base includes a latch mechanism that automatically engages with the board base when the boot is placed in the binding, eliminating the need for manual strap adjustment. This allows users to secure their boots without using their hands, enabling direct mounting from ski lifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding system performs the securing function automatically without requiring user intervention. When the user places their boot in the binding base, the latch mechanism self-activates to engage with the board base, and the straps automatically tighten to secure the boot. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing secure attachment without requiring manual operation.
2Ease of operation
If step-in bindings with rigid boots are used to enable automatic engagement, then hands-free operation is achieved, but the boots become heavier and stiffer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the binding system into separate components: a binding base that attaches to the soft boot, a board base that attaches to the snowboard, and a latch mechanism. This segmentation allows the use of lightweight soft boots while maintaining hands-free operation capability through the modular engagement system. The rigid structures are confined to the bases rather than the entire boot assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies rigid structural elements only where necessary for engagement (in the binding base and board base) while keeping the boot itself soft and flexible. The binding base includes rigid components for the latch mechanism, but the boot material remains soft to provide comfort. This localized application of rigidity achieves hands-free operation without the penalty of heavy, stiff boots throughout.
3Ease of operation
If step-in bindings with rigid boots are used to enable automatic engagement, then hands-free operation is achieved, but control of the snowboard is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force transmission function from the boot material to the engagement mechanism. The soft boot provides comfort and flexibility, while the rigid binding base and board base handle force transmission for control. The latch mechanism and engagement structures are designed to transmit rider forces effectively to the snowboard, maintaining control capability despite the use of soft boots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides different material properties in different locations: soft material in the boot for comfort and adaptability, and rigid material in the engagement mechanisms for control and force transmission. This local quality differentiation allows the system to achieve both hands-free operation and effective snowboard control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
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
Enables users to securely attach to the snowboard without hands, providing comfort and control similar to soft boots while allowing easy mounting from a ski lift, with enhanced usability in board sports like wakeboarding and kiteboarding.
Implementation Method 1
the binding base and the board base are configured to help a user to join the bases without use of the hands. For example, in an embodiment of the invention, the user may wear a soft boot secured in a binding base and may, by moving the leg and/or foot, align the binding base with the board base, allowing the bases to be docked together.
Data Source
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AI summary
A snowboard binding comprises two assemblies capable of being mated or docked with each other and locked together while the snowboard is in use. One of the assemblies may be affixed to the deck of the snowboard In an embodiment of the invention, the other assembly may be secured, e g to the user's boot In other embodiments, features of the other assembly that support docking and locking may be incorporated into a boot. Either or both assemblies may comprise one or more permanent magnets configured to assist docking by attracting the assemblies to one another in a manner that encourages them to dock in a proper configuration In some embodiments, locking the docked assemblies together may be achieved without using hands. The snowboard binding of the invention is also applicable to bindings for other boards such as kiteboarding and wakeboarding.