Processor-Controlled Ski Binding Using Solenoid Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ski binding systems fail to consistently release the boot from the ski during falls or mishaps, leading to potential injuries due to undue torque, and sometimes release prematurely during normal use, causing instability.
Innovation Solution
A processor-controlled electromechanical binding system using a solenoid and clamps with a locking plate mechanism that securely attaches the boot to the ski during normal use and releases it during falls or mishaps, incorporating sensors and a control system to determine appropriate release conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical spring-loaded clamps are used to attach the boot to the ski, then the binding system can securely hold the boot during normal use, but it fails to reliably release during falls or mishaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical spring-loaded clamp system with an electromechanical system using a solenoid actuator. The solenoid receives electrical signals from sensors that detect fall conditions, enabling automated release without relying solely on mechanical trigger mechanisms. This substitution improves reliability by adding electronic sensing and control capabilities to the mechanical release system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor skiing conditions and provide feedback to a control system. When fall conditions are detected, the sensors trigger the solenoid to activate the release mechanism. This feedback loop ensures the binding releases only when actually needed, improving reliability while preventing premature release during normal use.
2Reliability
If mechanical clamps are used to secure the boot, then the binding can maintain attachment during normal skiing, but it may release prematurely during ski flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously monitors the binding state and skiing conditions, providing feedback to distinguish between normal ski flexing and actual fall conditions. The control system uses this feedback to determine when release is appropriate, preventing premature release during normal use while ensuring timely release during falls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the clamp mechanism by using electrical control signals from the solenoid rather than purely mechanical force. This allows precise control over when the clamp engages and disengages, enabling stable attachment during normal skiing while responding appropriately to fall conditions based on sensor input.
3Measurement precision
If conventional mechanical binding systems are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the release timing is imprecise and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical linkages with an electromechanical system comprising a solenoid actuator, sensors, and control electronics. This substitution enables precise control of release timing through electronic signaling while accepting the increased complexity as necessary for achieving reliable and precise release functionality.
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
Enhances safety by ensuring secure attachment during normal skiing conditions while automatically releasing the boot to prevent injury during falls, and maintains attachment during ski flexing, reducing the risk of premature release.
Implementation Method 1
A processor-controlled binding coupling a sport boot and a sport ski or board is disclosed. The present system and method sense and acquire data, process and store or share said data, and determine metrics and settings or thresholds for actuating a release of the binding.
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects include a ski binding system using controllable electromagnets, alone or in combination with permanent magnets, as means of attaching or releasing a ski boot to a ski during use. Some aspects include a ski binding system using a controllable solenoid. In some aspects, microprocessor-based control releases binding electronically based on input from sensors located in binding, ski and/or boot, as well as in other equipment or clothing connected to them or to skier, or binding releases when a mechanical threshold is overcome. In some aspects, sensor data are recorded for analysis of system performance and for adjustment and improvement of system parameters based on data analytics.