Splitboard Binding Twist Lock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing snowboarding boots, particularly soft shell boots, are prone to water absorption, quick breakdown, and inadequate ankle support for backcountry snowboarding, while ski boots are too stiff and heavy for efficient hiking and snowboarding.

Innovation Solution

Design of splitboard bindings specifically for plastic shell boots with toe and heel landings and pivot points for cross-country hiking, providing flexibility and additional support across the splitboard, and stowing mechanism for reduced swing weight during hiking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If soft shell boots are used, then comfort and flexibility are improved, but water absorption and durability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and flexibilityVSAvoidwater resistance and durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines soft shell boot comfort with hard shell protection by integrating a waterproof gaiter system that covers the boot tongue and collar, merging the advantages of both boot types while eliminating their respective disadvantages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a waterproof gaiter as an intermediary component between the soft shell boot and the environment, providing water protection without compromising the boot's inherent comfort and flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If ski boots are used, then power transfer and connection to skis are improved, but weight and flexibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer and connectionVSAvoidboot weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies hard shell material only to critical areas (toe cap, heel counter, ankle support) where structural integrity is needed for power transfer, while leaving the rest of the boot shell soft and flexible to reduce overall weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If ski boots are used, then power transfer and connection to skis are improved, but hiking efficiency worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer and connectionVSAvoidhiking efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic boot design with articulated ankle joints and flexible forefoot that adapt between hiking and riding modes, allowing natural ankle movement during hiking while providing rigid support during snowboarding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If splitboard is used, then uphill travel efficiency is improved, but board rigidity and feel worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuphill travel efficiencyVSAvoidboard rigidity and feel

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the binding system into separate toe and heel components that can independently adjust and lock, allowing the splitboard halves to be securely connected during riding while remaining separable for efficient uphill travel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9114305B2Full auto splitboard binding

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 PHANTOM SNOW IND LLC

AI summary

A splitboard binding was developed specifically for boots that have toe and heel landings for full auto binding bails. The binding is also designed to interface with splitboard and solid snowboard bolt patterns. The basic components of the design can be broken up into two pieces, the parts that stay with the splitboard at all times, and the parts that are removable, only to be used when the splitboard is being ridden as a snowboard. The basic design of the mechanism is a twist lock motion with two tabs that secure the binding in place.