Splitboard Binding Locking Mechanism for Mode Transition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing splitboard bindings face challenges in transitioning smoothly between tour mode and ride mode, particularly in snowy or icy conditions, due to either large clearances resulting in a sloppy connection or tight clearances making the transition difficult.
Innovation Solution
A splitboard binding with a locking mechanism that allows for three configurations: disengaged, loosely engaged with a clearance fit, and substantially fixed, ensuring easy transition while securely attaching the skis in ride mode, using a design with a toe side, heel side, medial side, and lateral side interfaces and a locking mechanism that constrains movement in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If large clearances are used in the binding interface, then the transition between tour mode and ride mode becomes easier, but the connection becomes sloppy and less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The binding interface employs a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions between two states: a loose clearance fit during mode transition that allows easy movement, and a locked position during ride mode that provides rigid constraint. The locking component can be actively engaged or disengaged, transforming the static clearance into a dynamic system that adapts to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding interface changes the clearance parameter from large (during transition) to minimal (during ride mode) through the locking mechanism. By adjusting the engagement state of the locking component, the system modifies the effective clearance between binding surfaces, providing both easy transition and stable connection at different operational phases.
2Reliability
If tight clearances are used in the binding interface, then the connection stability improves, but the transition between modes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The binding interface employs a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions between two states: a loose clearance fit during mode transition that allows easy movement, and a locked position during ride mode that provides rigid constraint. The locking component can be actively engaged or disengaged, transforming the static clearance into a dynamic system that adapts to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be disengaged before mode transition, preliminarily creating the loose clearance fit needed for easy transition. This preliminary action of unlocking allows the binding interface to accommodate the movement between tour and ride modes without resistance, after which the lock can be re-engaged to restore stability.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to constrain movement in multiple directions, then the ride mode stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking component with engagement and disengagement states, a locking surface, and constraint features. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The locking component can be a separate element or integrated into the binding structure, providing modular complexity management.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: the locking component simultaneously provides directional constraint, mode locking, and transition facilitation. By combining these functions into one cohesive mechanism rather than separate systems, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving multi-directional constraint for ride mode stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to splitboard bindings. The splitboard bindings can be used to change a splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in a ride mode and touring skis for climbing up a hill in a tour mode. The bindings can have a first interface and a second interface configured to engage and disengage. The interfaces can be configured such that a binding has large clearances for easy transitions. The first interface can be configured with a locking mechanism. The second interface can be configured to remove large clearances between the first interface and second interface, when the locking mechanism of the first interface is engaged with the second interface, allowing the first interface to attach tightly to the second interface and splitboard to improve the ride of the splitboard.