Snowboard Binding with Ski-Boot Style Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snowboard binding technologies are cumbersome and difficult to use, requiring users to manually adjust ratchet mechanisms, which can be challenging in snowy or icy conditions, and often lead to improper tightness, affecting comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A snowboard binding system using a ski-boot style connector with only two straps per binding, allowing pre-adjustment of connection pressure and simplifying the mounting process by eliminating the need for ratchet mechanisms, featuring buckle and hook mechanisms for easy engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ratchet mechanisms with ladder straps are used to allow adjustment of connection pressure, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex ratchet mechanism from the snowboard binding system. Instead of using ratchets with ladder straps that require manual adjustment, the invention uses simple buckles and hooks that provide secure connection without the need for complex adjustment mechanisms. This eliminates the problematic complexity while maintaining the essential function of connecting the boot to the board.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding system is segmented into distinct functional components: buckles for securing straps, hooks for connection, and separate strap elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply and effectively, avoiding the need for integrated complex adjustment mechanisms like ratchets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ratchet mechanisms are used to permit adjustment of connection pressure, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in snowy or icy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ratchet mechanism entirely from the system. By replacing it with simple buckles and hooks, the invention eliminates the operational difficulties associated with manipulating small ratchet components in snowy or icy conditions. The larger, simpler buckle and hook components are much easier to operate with gloved hands or in adverse weather conditions.
3Reliability
If four straps with ratchet mechanisms are used in traditional bindings, then connection security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes two of the four traditional straps along with their associated ratchet mechanisms. The remaining system uses two straps with simple buckles and hooks that provide sufficient connection security without the excess complexity of the traditional four-strap ratchet system. This reduction maintains reliability while dramatically simplifying the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into two primary attachment points (ankle and toe areas) rather than four separate strap systems. Each attachment point uses a simple buckle-hook mechanism that provides secure connection, eliminating the need for multiple ratchet mechanisms while maintaining connection security.
4Adaptability or versatility
If users must manually adjust ratchet mechanisms during mounting, then connection adaptability is improved, but productivity and time efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming ratchet adjustment process entirely. By using simple buckles and hooks, users can quickly connect and disconnect their bindings without the repetitive manual adjustment required by ratchet mechanisms. This dramatically improves the speed of binding connection, especially important when repeatedly mounting and dismounting during a day of snowboarding.
5Adaptability or versatility
If users must disconnect and reconnect bindings for chairlifts, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex ratchet adjustment process that consumes time during repeated connections. The simplified buckle and hook system allows for rapid connection and disconnection, minimizing the time lost when repeatedly getting on and off chairlifts throughout the day.
6Reliability
If straps are made tight to prevent boot movement, then connection security is improved, but harmful factors worsen due to circulation restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ratchet mechanism that makes it difficult to achieve proper tightness. The simple buckle and hook system allows users to easily apply the correct amount of tension - tight enough to prevent boot movement but not so tight as to restrict circulation. This is particularly beneficial for beginners who may otherwise over-tighten the bindings.
Data Source
AI summary
A snowboard binding that eliminates the ratchet-type connection used in conventional snowboard bindings. Instead, the snowboard binding incorporates a connection mechanism that is somewhat similar to a ski-boot style connector, and that uses only two straps on each binding compared to the traditional four straps. In addition, the connection mechanism can be pre-adjusted by the user to the desired connection pressure. Once the desired pre-adjustment is reached, the user can simply step into the binding and connect the connection mechanism without needing to adjust the connection pressure or tightness during mounting the user's foot or boot to the board as with conventional snowboard bindings.