Snowshoe Binding Heel Retention via Movable Socket Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowshoe fixation systems are cumbersome to set up and do not provide adequate heel retention, making them difficult to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A snowshoe fixation system featuring a rear restraint organ with a nesting wall that supports the heel and lateral links that connect to a reel system for easy adjustment and secure fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional straps are used to hold the shoe, then the shoe can be retained on the snowshoe, but the process of putting on the snowshoe becomes long and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system is divided into distinct functional segments: the rear retaining member with fitting wall for heel retention, the front retaining member for toe retention, and the reel mechanism for tensioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the fitting wall providing immediate heel support and the reel mechanism enabling quick adjustment, thereby simplifying the overall donning process compared to traditional multi-strap systems
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting wall is pre-configured with a shape that naturally conforms to the heel contour, and the lateral links are pre-positioned to provide immediate lateral support. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex adjustments during donning, as the heel is automatically retained by the pre-shaped fitting wall when the shoe is placed in the binding
2Reliability
If traditional bindings are used, then the shoe can be held in place, but adequate lateral support of the heel is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting wall is designed with specific local geometries: a central rear portion that contacts the upper heel, two lateral portions facing forward to contact the sides of the heel, and two lateral links positioned on either side. Each of these local features provides targeted support at critical locations, ensuring reliable heel retention and lateral stability without requiring complex overall binding structures
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral links are positioned laterally of the central rear portion and connected at their upper end to the fitting wall at its lateral portions. This lateral arrangement creates a three-dimensional support structure that provides heel support in multiple directions (vertical, lateral, and forward), rather than relying solely on a single-plane strap system
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 system allows for easy and secure attachment of the shoe to the snowshoe, providing good heel retention and accommodating a range of shoe sizes, while simplifying the footwear process.
Implementation Method 1
forward traction means whose actuation pulls the fitting wall towards the front, and in that the traction means comprise traction cables and a reel, the actuation of which exerts traction on the traction cables
Implementation Method 2
The lateral links can be mounted hinged at their lower ends to the bottom of the fixing, the translation of the nesting wall being ensured by the tilting of the lateral links
Implementation Method 3
The interlocking wall may be elastically deformable, the transition from the shoe retention position to the rest and release position being effected by elastic deformation of the interlocking wall
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening of a shoe (CH) on a snowshoe (2), comprising: - a front retaining member (4) forming a retainer for the front part of the shoe (CH), - a rear retaining member (5) forming a retainer for the rear part of the shoe (CH), the rear retaining member (5) comprising: - a socket wall (8), which has a central rear portion (9) the socket wall (8) being movable along a front/rear axis between a release position of the shoe (CH), and a retention position of the shoe (CH), - two lateral links (11a, 11b) located on either side laterally of the central rear portion (9) and connected at their upper end to the socket wall (8) of the forward traction means (AV) the actuation of which pulls the socket wall (8) forward (AV).