Snowboard Binding Highback Lever Ramp for Boot Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing snowboard bindings limit the rotation of the power lever arm in the closed position, affecting the effectiveness of boot entry and exit, and do not effectively prevent snow compaction between the snowboard and binding base.

Innovation Solution

The power lever arm pivots around a second axis of rotation, converting force into rotation of the support shell without being limited by the binding base, and includes a ramp function to facilitate boot entry and exit, with adjustable toe strap tightening and a second axis of rotation for the boot stopper to enhance user comfort and locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the power lever arm rotation is limited by the binding base in the closed position, then the structure is compact, but the effectiveness of boot entry and exit is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot entry and exit effectivenessVSAvoidlever arm rotation limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a ramp structure as an intermediary element between the power lever arm and the binding base. This ramp acts as a mediator that converts the lever arm's rotational motion into effective boot entry/exit motion, allowing the lever arm to rotate freely while still providing controlled action at the boot interface. The ramp resolves the contradiction by decoupling the lever arm's rotation freedom from its functional action on the boot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the power lever arm serves as a fixed ramp, then boot entry is facilitated, but snow compaction between the snowboard and binding base cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot entry facilitationVSAvoidsnow compaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static ramp structure into a dynamic one by making the ramp surface conform to the contour of the power lever arm. As the lever arm rotates during boot entry and exit, the ramp dynamically adjusts its shape and position, creating a moving interface that prevents snow from becoming trapped and compacted. This dynamic configuration allows the ramp to maintain effective boot guidance while preventing snow accumulation that would occur with a fixed rigid ramp.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the toe strap tightening is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different boot sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot size adaptabilityVSAvoidtoe strap adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adjustability in the toe strap tightening mechanism by providing multiple adjustment positions or variable tensioning capabilities. This allows the tightening parameter of the toe strap to be changed according to different boot sizes and user preferences. The adjustment mechanism may involve movable components that allow the toe strap position or tension to be modified, enabling the binding to adapt to various boot dimensions while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Improves the effectiveness of boot entry and exit by preventing snow compaction and ensuring secure locking, regardless of boot size, with enhanced user comfort and adjustable fit.

Implementation Method 1

a lever, pivoting around a second axis of rotation, mounted on a hoop of the base and arranged in opposition to a toe strap relative to the first axis of rotation, to allow a power lever arm to serve as a ramp, in counter force relative to a stopper of the toe strap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

the power lever arm converts this force into rotation of the support shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

the power lever arm serves as a sliding ramp, or even a rolling ramp, in counter force relative to the stopper with the toe strap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRamp: Inclined Plane

Data Source

PatentEP4126272B1Binding for a snowboard, an aerotow board or a wakeboard, with a highback controlled in rotation by a lever serving as a boot ramp

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 NIDECKER

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

Binding for snowboards, kiteboards or wakeboards, comprising a base (1), a support shell (3) that is movable around a first axis of rotation (Al) mounted on the base (1) and a lever (5), of which a power lever arm (5a) controls, in rotation relative to the base, a resistance lever arm (5b) which cooperates with the support shell (3) to move it around the first axis of rotation (A1) between an open position and a closed position. According to the invention, the lever (5) pivots around a second axis of rotation (A2) that is mounted on a bow (10) of the base (1) and arranged opposite a toe strap (7) relative to the first axis of rotation (A1) to allow the power lever arm (5a) to be used as a ramp, in counterforce to a stopper (15) of the toe strap (7), to move the support shell (3) between the open position and the closed position.