Spherical Isostatic Front Binding for Ski Gliders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front stops for sliding equipment bindings, such as those used in skiing and surfing, are fragile, difficult to size for different user morphologies, and suffer from hyperstasis and parasitic force issues due to inadequate transmission between the control lever and connecting members.
Innovation Solution
An optimal isostatic connection system is implemented using spherical surfaces on articulation members that contact cavities on the control lever, eliminating play and torque transmission, ensuring precise positioning and symmetrical behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid connection systems are used between control lever and clamping elements, then force transmission is direct, but the system becomes fragile and prone to premature breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spherical articulation surfaces at the connection points between the control lever and clamping elements. These spherical joints replace rigid rectangular connections, allowing rotational movement and distributing stresses more evenly. The curved surfaces enable the system to absorb impacts and accommodate misalignments without breaking, directly resolving the contradiction between direct force transmission and resistance to breakage.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size front stops are manufactured, then production is simple, but adaptation to different user morphologies is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the front stop adjustable by introducing movable clamping elements that can be positioned at different locations along the control lever. Users can adjust the position and angle of the clamping elements to match their specific boot dimensions and morphology. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between simple production (using standardized components) and adaptability to different users.
3Manufacturing precision
If spherical articulation surfaces are used, then play and torque transmission are eliminated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical articulation surfaces provide self-centering capability that compensates for minor manufacturing tolerances. The geometry of spherical joints naturally guides the components into proper alignment during assembly, reducing the actual precision required compared to rigid rectangular connections. This resolves the contradiction by achieving high positioning precision through geometric design rather than relying solely on tight manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
This front stop (I) comprises a base plate (10) fixed to the sliding device, two clamping members (2, 3) having an upper end provided with a clamping lug and a lower end provided with a support rod, two connecting members (6, 7) adapted to cooperate with a control lever (4), and two elastic means (27, 37) adapted to push a respective connecting member against the control lever. The clamping members are movable between a configuration in which they allow the clamping lugs to come together, and a configuration in which the clamping lugs do not cooperate with said housings. Each connecting member is a hinge member comprising a spherical articulation surface (64, 74) adapted to cooperate with a complementary articulation surface provided either on the lever or on an auxiliary member mounted on this lever.The invention provides an optimal isostatic connection system between the control lever and the articulation members. This ensures a connection virtually free of play. Furthermore, the invention eliminates any excessive static tension, which is a major drawback of the prior art.