Two-Part Snowboard Binding Segmentation for Easy Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing snowboard bindings are cumbersome to put on and take off, especially on steep slopes, and often require specialized boots that compromise ride comfort and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A two-part snowboard binding design where the base plate and toe strap form one assembly and the highback and instep strap form another, coupled via a releasable unit with a stirrup element that allows easy entry and exit, maintaining ride comfort and adjustment options without needing specialized boots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional snowboard bindings use four buckles and manual threading, then secure connection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of putting on and taking offVSAvoidnumber of buckles and threading operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding is divided into two separable assemblies: a first assembly with the base plate and toe strap, and a second assembly with the highback and instep strap. This segmentation allows the second assembly to be detached from the snowboard, enabling easy entry by simply stepping in, while the first assembly remains on the snowboard to maintain secure connection when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If flow bindings allow pivoting highback for easy entry, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability deteriorates due to clearance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of entryVSAvoidusability on steep slopes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the binding into two assemblies that can be completely detached, the invention eliminates the need for pivoting movement and clearance space. The second assembly can be removed entirely, allowing easy entry on steep slopes where flow bindings cannot pivot, while maintaining all adjustment options when reattached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If step-in bindings use specialized reinforced boots, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidboot flexibility and compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The separable two-part design allows standard snowboard boots to be used with the binding system. The second assembly attaches to the boot without requiring specialized reinforced boots, maintaining boot flexibility and compatibility while providing easy step-in attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If traditional bindings require sitting down for threading, then secure connection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidthreading and tightening process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By detaching the second assembly from the snowboard before entry, the user can simply step in without needing to sit down or perform threading operations. The second assembly is then reattached to complete the binding, eliminating the cumbersome threading and tightening process while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3758812B1Snowboard binding made of two separable parts
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 WECKERLE JOHANNES
  • EP3758812B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3758812B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard shoe to a snowboard, comprising a baseplate (12), which is designed to be attached by means of fastening device to a snowboard and to sit flat against same, a highback, which extends substantially perpendicular to the baseplate (12), a toe strap (15), and an instep strap. The snowboard binding according to the invention is formed in two parts, wherein the baseplate (12) and the toe strap (15) are associated with a first module (10) and the highback and the instep strap are associated with a second module. A coupling unit (20) is provided, by means of which the first module (10) and the second module can be releasably coupled to one another, the first module (10) being designed to remain on the snowboard in the decoupled state and the second module being designed to remain on the snowboard shoe in the decoupled state.