Snowboard Binding Play Compensation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boot binding devices on gliding boards require tools for adjustment, are complex, bulky, and can lead to accidental misadjustments, compromising safety and performance.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable connecting element with a rod and play-recovery components that allows tool-free adjustment, featuring a blocking and adjustment configuration, with a lever-actuated camming surface to compensate for play, ensuring secure and user-friendly positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional toothed parts and guide rails are used for adjustment, then the binding device can be adjusted to different positions, but a tool like a screwdriver is required to release the toothed parts, making it not user-friendly and unsuitable for rapid adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element enables self-service adjustment by allowing the user to directly manipulate the blocking element (lever, button, or snap-fit component) without requiring external tools. The blocking element is designed to be manually actuated by the user's finger or hand, enabling independent adjustment of the binding device position along the guide rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element transitions between a locked position (engaging with the toothed part to fix the position) and an unlocked position (releasing the toothed part for movement). This dynamic switching mechanism allows rapid adjustment by simply actuating the blocking element, eliminating the need for tool-based operations.
2Reliability
If multiple components and complex mechanisms are used to achieve adjustment, then the binding device can be securely fixed, but the solution becomes expensive, less reliable, and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is integrated directly into the connecting element structure, combining the functions of positioning, locking, and releasing into a single unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate releasing mechanisms, reducing the total number of components while maintaining secure fixing through the toothed-part engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the binding device along the rail, engages with the toothed part for positioning, and incorporates the blocking element for secure locking and easy release. This multi-functionality reduces component count while enhancing reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then the binding device can be adjusted, but unattractive mechanical elements are visible and the overall volume of the accessory increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is nested within or integrated into the connecting element housing, allowing it to be concealed when not in use. The toothed parts and guide rails are designed to fit closely together, minimizing the overall volume while maintaining full adjustability along the rail length.
4Ease of operation
If traditional toothed parts are used for adjustment, then the binding device can be positioned at different locations, but accidental misadjustments can occur during use, which is dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to require deliberate user action to disengage from the toothed part, preventing accidental release during normal use. The blocking mechanism incorporates a safety feature where the blocking element must be actively pushed, pulled, or actuated in a specific direction to release the locked position, ensuring that inadvertent movements do not cause misadjustment or dangerous situations.
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 provides a play-free, user-friendly, and secure adjustment mechanism that is cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and reduces the risk of accidental misadjustments, enhancing safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a lever-actuated camming surface to compensate for play
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
Adjustable connecting element (10) of a shoe fastening device on a sliding board, suitable for a movable connection with a second element (50) to allow its movement for adjusting the position of a shoe fastening device on the sliding board, characterized in that it comprises a rod (12) including a locking element (13) suitable for fixing the connecting element on a second element (50) and in that it includes at least one play compensation component (25), the rod (12) movable in rotation about its axis including an actuating element (15) cooperating with at least one play compensation component (25), so as to reduce or eliminate the play remaining when fixing the connecting element by the locking element (13).