Snowboard Binding Segmented Base Flex Dynamics

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional snowboard bindings with rigid baseplates and hold-down discs resist the flexing of snowboards, limiting the board's ability to bend and adapt to different riding styles and terrain conditions, whereas baseless bindings lack compatibility with certain snowboard insert patterns.

Innovation Solution

A binding design featuring medial and lateral base regions that pivot relative to each other, facilitated by a hold-down device with flexible connections, allowing the snowboard to bend and resist unwanted distortions like parallelogramming and bowing, while being compatible with various snowboard insert patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid baseplate and hold-down disc are used in traditional tray style bindings, then the binding provides secure attachment to the snowboard, but the rigidity creates a dead spot that resists flexing of the snowboard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidresistance to flexing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The binding base is divided into multiple separate base regions (medial and lateral regions) that are spaced apart rather than forming a continuous rigid plate. This segmentation allows each region to move independently in response to board flexing, reducing the dead spot effect while maintaining secure attachment through the hold-down device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The binding base regions are designed to be moveable relative to one another in response to bending forces from the snowboard. The hold-down device includes flexible connections or spaced-apart mounting points that allow the base regions to dynamically adjust their positions during board flexing, transforming the binding from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adaptive structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-generated harmful factors

If baseless bindings are used to allow greater board flex, then the binding facilitates bending, but the design is not compatible with snowboards configured with 4×4 or 3D insert patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboard flexing capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with insert patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hold-down device is designed with multiple mounting configurations that can accommodate different snowboard insert patterns (4×4, 3D, and channel style). The device can be positioned and secured in various orientations, making it universally compatible with different binding interface types while maintaining the baseless flexing advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The binding base regions are designed to be moveable relative to one another in response to bending forces from the snowboard. The hold-down device includes flexible connections or spaced-apart mounting points that allow the base regions to dynamically adjust their positions during board flexing, transforming the binding from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adaptive structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the binding base is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the binding provides stable mounting, but the rigidity resists the natural flexing of the snowboard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidresistance to bending

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The binding base is divided into multiple separate base regions (medial and lateral regions) that are spaced apart rather than forming a continuous rigid plate. This segmentation allows each region to move independently in response to board flexing, reducing the dead spot effect while maintaining secure attachment through the hold-down device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the binding base have different functional properties. The base regions are designed to be relatively flexible to allow board flexing, while the hold-down device and its mounting features provide localized rigidity and stability where needed for secure attachment to the snowboard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances the snowboard's flexibility and reduces resistance to bending, allowing for better adaptation to different riding styles and terrain conditions while maintaining secure mounting, as demonstrated by reduced force required for board flex in testing compared to conventional tray style bindings.

Implementation Method 1

A flexible connection is provided between the first rigid hold-down portion and the second rigid hold-down portion, such that the first rigid hold-down portion and the second rigid hold-down portion are moveable relative to one another in response to bending forces of a gliding board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8132818B2Binding components for a gliding board

Publication Date: 2012.03.13 BURTON CORP

AI summary

A snowboard binding and hold-down device that may flex or move with the snowboard when ridden to minimize any impact on flex characteristics. The snowboard binding may be compatible with a variety of snowboard binding mount arrangements.