Snowboard Binding Heel Loop Extrusion and Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowboard boot attachment devices face limitations in flexibility, cost, and aesthetic appeal due to non-adjustable and rigid designs, requiring multiple molds and materials that restrict compatibility with various shoe sizes and hinder attractive appearances.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped rear hoop with a hollow extruded structure and adjustable connection to the base, featuring a central connecting part and parallel branches, allowing for precise longitudinal adjustment and concealed fixing mechanisms, manufactured through extrusion and machining for reduced material usage and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rear hoop is made as a single thick part with the base, then the structure has good rigidity and strength, but the device lacks flexibility and cannot adapt to different shoe sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The rear hoop is separated from the base into two independent components that can be assembled together. The hoop can be positioned at different locations relative to the base, allowing adaptation to different shoe sizes while maintaining structural integrity through the connection elements.
2Strength
If the rear hoop is made of thick metal to ensure rigidity and resistance to stress, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hoop is designed with varying thickness: thicker sections at critical stress points (connection areas with the base and strap attachment points) and thinner sections in non-critical areas. This localized reinforcement maintains structural strength while reducing overall material consumption and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements between the hoop and base use composite construction with reinforcement elements strategically placed to provide maximum strength with minimal material, combining different materials or structural features to optimize both strength and weight.
3Reliability
If the rear hoop is made of thick metal to maintain rigidity after folding, then the mechanical behavior is improved, but the geometry is constrained and aesthetic possibilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hoop is designed with controlled flexibility that allows it to deform elastically under load and return to its original shape. The thin-walled structure with strategic reinforcement enables the hoop to adapt its shape dynamically while maintaining reliability, rather than being constrained to a fixed rigid geometry.
4Reliability
If screws or mechanical means are used to fix the rear hoop to the base, then the assembly is secure and reliable, but the appearance becomes unattractive due to visible fastening elements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements are designed so that fastening components are nested within hollow sections of the hoop structure or concealed behind decorative covers. The fixing mechanisms are integrated into the design such that they are functionally effective but visually hidden, maintaining both reliability and aesthetics.
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 flexible, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing boot attachment system compatible with a wide range of shoe sizes, achieving rigidity with minimal material while concealing fastening elements for a cleaner appearance.
Implementation Method 1
manufacture of a profile comprising a hollow structure by extrusion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The cup (3) has a hollow extruded body provided in a zone with a closed chamber, and an inner lateral wall including openings (13, 19) for providing access to respective connection units i.e. nuts (24, 26). A round central connection part (12) is arranged between two parallel lateral sections (11) removably connected with a footwear fixation device that fixes a footwear on a snowboard, where the cup is made of metal or extruded plastic material. The opening (13) is extended longitudinally on the lateral wall of the cup. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a heel cup.