Splitboard Binding Segmentation and Lever Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing splitboard binding systems are heavy, difficult to transition between ride and tour modes, prone to slop and rattling in icy conditions, and susceptible to manufacturing tolerances and wear, leading to unreliable performance in harsh winter conditions.
Innovation Solution
A binding apparatus with a board joining mechanism using buckle and hook elements, a ride mode interface with latch mechanisms, and a tour mode interface with a slideable clip to attach and detach the binding interface, allowing for easy conversion between modes without removing the user's boots and minimizing weight and stack height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a standard snowboard binding is combined with a heavy binding assembly and aluminum channel to ensure structural strength, then the binding system becomes strong enough for typical use, but the overall weight increases significantly causing users to expend more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The binding system is divided into separate components: a lightweight binding assembly that attaches to the ski, and a separate channel that integrates with the snowboard binding. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining strength through proper distribution of structural requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy aluminum channel is extracted from the binding assembly itself and repositioned as a separate structural element that works with the snowboard binding. This extraction removes unnecessary weight from the moving binding assembly while the channel provides structural support where it is most needed, at the interface with the snowboard.
2Strength
If the slider blocks and binding assembly channel are sized to provide sufficient strength, then the standard snowboard binding sits five eighths of one inch to three quarters of one inch off of the snowboard, but this extra stack height causes users to over leverage the edge of the snowboard making it difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The binding assembly is designed to attach in a different spatial configuration, using the width dimension of the ski rather than creating vertical offset. The slider blocks engage with the ski horizontally, and the binding assembly extends perpendicular to the ski edge, eliminating the vertical stack height problem while maintaining the necessary structural strength through horizontal leverage.
3Ease of operation
If clearance is added to the holes in the binding assembly and ski binding to allow easy removal and insertion of pins, then pin installation is simplified, but this clearance leads to slop in the tour mode causing the binding assembly to rattle on the ski binding
Solution Approach 1:
The pin removal function is extracted from the hole clearance design and implemented through a separate lever mechanism. The lever provides a mechanical advantage for removing and installing pins without requiring excessive clearance in the mounting holes. This allows the holes to be fitted tightly to eliminate slop and rattling, while the lever maintains ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the pin. Instead of directly pulling pins out of tight-fitting holes, the user operates the lever which provides the necessary mechanical advantage to overcome friction and remove the pin. This intermediary allows tight tolerances without sacrificing ease of operation.
4Reliability
If an interference slip fit is used for the slider blocks and binding assembly channel to ensure tight connection, then the binding is secure, but this design is very susceptible to problems from manufacturing tolerances and wear requiring very tight tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between slider blocks and the binding assembly channel transitions from a static interference fit to a dynamic system with adjustment capability. The binding assembly includes adjustment mechanisms that allow the user to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and wear over time. This dynamic adjustment maintains secure connection without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the connection geometry through adjustment mechanisms. Rather than relying on a fixed interference fit that is sensitive to tolerance variations, the design permits modification of connection parameters (such as position, orientation, or engagement depth) to maintain optimal performance despite manufacturing variations and wear.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a binding apparatus for use on a splitboard. The binding apparatus may be used to change the splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in a ride mode and touring skis for climbing up a hill in a tour mode. The binding apparatus can include at least one board joining device. The binding apparatus can also include a binding interface configured to receive a boot and selectively attach to a ride mode interface in a snowboard configuration and to a tour mode interface in a ski configuration.