Snowboard Binding With Elastic Shock-Absorbing Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing snowboard bindings compromise the flexibility of the snowboard due to rigid connections, leading to reduced stability and potential damage from intense stresses, and existing shock-absorbing solutions are difficult to connect and prone to compression issues.

Innovation Solution

A binding system with a base body fixed to the snowboard using an angular positioning disk and elastic shock-absorbing means that surround the external lateral profiles of the base body, minimizing contact between the rigid portion and the snowboard, and utilizing highly compression-deformable materials like EVA for improved flexibility and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the base body is connected rigidly to the snowboard, then the stability of the binding is improved, but the flexibility of the snowboard is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of bindingVSAvoidflexibility of snowboard

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element (the positioning disk with engagement elements) between the base body and the snowboard. This mediator allows the binding to be securely attached while still permitting the snowboard to flex, as the engagement elements can move relative to each other during bending, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of connection rigidity by using a positioning disk with multiple engagement elements that can rotate and adjust their position. This allows the connection to be stable under normal conditions but flexible when the snowboard bends, effectively changing the rigidity parameter dynamically to satisfy both requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If shock-absorbing means are used between the snowboard and base body, then the flexibility and stability are improved, but the complexity of connection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shock-absorbing function with the positioning disk structure itself. The engagement elements of the positioning disk serve both as positioning mechanisms and as shock-absorbing components, eliminating the need for separate shock-absorbing pads and simplifying the overall connection structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning disk is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: positioning the base body, allowing snowboard flexing, and absorbing shocks. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing connection complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the area of contact between base body and snowboard is minimized, then the flexibility of snowboard is improved, but the stability of connection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of snowboardVSAvoidstability of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the contact area between the base body and snowboard into discrete engagement elements on the positioning disk. This segmentation allows for minimal contact area to maintain flexibility while the distributed nature of multiple engagement points provides sufficient stability for secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 binding system enhances snowboard flexibility and stability, reduces vibration transmission, and ensures user comfort and safety by minimizing rigid contact and using easily connectable, durable shock-absorbing elements.

Implementation Method 1

elastic shock-absorbing means being associable and interposable between said snowboard and the like and said base body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

allows to reduce drastically the vibrations transmitted from the board to the binding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS8104786B2Binding for fixing a shoe to a snowboard

Publication Date: 2012.01.31 CORE SRL

AI summary

A binding for fixing a shoe to a snowboard and the like comprising a base body that can be fixed to a snowboard and the like by an angular positioning disk with engagement of contact elements defined by the base body on the snowboard, elements for fastening a shoe being associable with the base body and elastic shock-absorbing elements being also associable and interposable between the snowboard and the like and the base body, the shock-absorbing elements at least partially surrounding the external lateral profiles of the rear region of the base body.