Splitboard Interface With Arced Slots for Stable Mode Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing splitboard bindings face challenges in providing a smooth transition between tour and ride modes, with large clearances leading to sloppy connections and tight clearances making transitions difficult in snowy or icy conditions, and the ability to function as a solid snowboard is compromised.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates concentric arced mounting slots, a seam connection disk with a cove and bead for secure joining, and interchangeable parts for different orientations, allowing for easier manufacturing, lighter weight, and improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If large clearances are used in the binding interface, then the transition between tour and ride modes becomes easier, but the connection becomes sloppy and less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved slot geometries in the binding interface that guide the binding heel piece through a controlled arc during mode transition. This curvature allows the interface to accommodate movement smoothly while maintaining consistent contact and connection stability throughout the transition path, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection reliability.
2Reliability
If tight clearances are used in the binding interface, then the connection becomes more stable, but transitions between modes become difficult in snowy or icy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The binding interface is designed with dynamic clearance characteristics that adapt during transition. The curved slots provide increased effective clearance during the transition motion to accommodate snow and ice, while maintaining tight clearance in the final locked position for stability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between connection stability and ease of transition.
3Reliability
If the splitboard binding is designed to function as a solid snowboard, then ride performance improves, but the complexity of the interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The binding interface is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides secure attachment in both tour and ride modes, enables smooth transitions between modes, and ensures the splitboard functions as a solid snowboard when connected. The curved slot mechanism and standardized receiving features allow a single interface design to accomplish all these functions without requiring separate specialized components for each mode.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to splitboard bindings and interfaces. The improved splitboard interfaces can combine two or three components into one molded composite part. The interfaces can also utilize some of the same parts on the heelside of the assembly and the toe side. The interfaces can also be flipped to be used in different orientations (e.g., left foot forward or right foot forward). Embodiments can use concentric arced mounting slots to reduce the size of parts to achieve desired stance angles. Embodiments can also have a seam connection disk with a cove and bead for better joining at the seam of the splitboard. The improved splitboard interfaces can be easier to manufacture, lighter and stronger than other designs, and easier to use to provide a better overall snowboarding experience.