Spin-Tightened Snowshoe Binding with Single Dial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snowshoe bindings require multiple steps to transition between configurations for inserting and constraining a shoe, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A spin-tightened, single-pull release snowshoe binding system that includes a sole plate hingedly interconnected to a snowshoe, toe cap with anterior straps, a tightening dial, and a cable system with lateral straps and a belt, allowing for the shoe to be securely attached with a single action by rotating the tightening dial.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional snowshoe bindings use multiple steps to transition between configurations for inserting and constraining a shoe, then the binding provides secure constraint, but the operation becomes inefficient and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple configuration transitions (insertion, tightening, and release) into a single integrated mechanism. The toe cap is hinged to the sole plate, allowing it to pivot between open and closed positions, while a single tightening dial controls both the constriction of straps and the positioning of the toe cap, merging multiple functions into one operational system
Solution Approach 2:
The toe cap is designed as a dynamic component that can pivot between different positions relative to the sole plate. This dynamic positioning allows the toe cap to move from an open position during insertion to a closed, constrained position during use, enabling configuration transitions without manual intervention for each step
2Ease of operation
If a single tightening dial controls multiple components (cable, toe cap, lateral straps, belt), then the operation is simplified to a single action, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tightening dial serves as a universal control mechanism that simultaneously manages multiple components: it tensions the cable system, positions the toe cap, and adjusts the lateral straps and belt. This multi-functional design allows a single rotational action to control the entire binding system, reducing operational steps while consolidating control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system acts as an intermediary mechanism that transmits the rotational force from the tightening dial to multiple components. The cable connects the dial to the toe cap, lateral straps, and belt, allowing a single input action to be distributed and coordinated across multiple output elements through this intermediary transmission 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
Enables quick and efficient attachment and detachment of the shoe by retracting the toe cap and belt ends, providing a secure and easy-to-use snowshoe binding system.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the tightening dial in a first direction tensions the cable, and wherein rotating the tightening dial in a first direction retracts the toe cap toward the sole plate and retracts the first end and second end of the belt toward the toe cap
Data Source
AI summary
A spin-tightened snowshoe binding is provided, the binding comprising a sole plate configured to be hingedly interconnected to a snowshoe an axis extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snowshoe, a toe cap interconnected with the sole plate with a first anterior strap and a second anterior strap, wherein the anterior straps are configured to wrap around the medial aspect and the lateral aspects of a toe box of a shoe inserted within the snowshoe binding, and wherein the toe cap is configured to interface with a top aspect of the shoe, a first lateral strap extends outward from the sole plate, wherein the first lateral strap is configured to wrap upward along a medial portion of the shoe, and extend toward a posterior aspect of the shoe, a second lateral strap extends outward from the sole plate, wherein the second lateral strap is configured to wrap upward along a lateral aspect of a shoe, and extend toward the posterior aspect of the snowshoe binding, a belt having a first end and a second end, the belt slideably interconnected with the distal end of the first lateral strap and the distal end of the second lateral strap, wherein the belt is configured to span around the posterior aspect of the shoe between the distal ends of the lateral straps, a tightening dial interconnected with the toe cap, a cable interconnecting the tightening dial, toe cap, sole plate, lateral straps, and first end and second end of the belt, wherein rotating the tightening dial in a first direction tensions the cable, and wherein rotating the tightening dial in a first direction retracts the toe cap toward the sole plate and retracts the first end and second end of the belt toward the toe cap.