Splitboard Boot Binding Toe Latch Pedal Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing splitboard binding systems are complex and prone to issues such as lost pins during mode changes and interference from impacted snow, often requiring separate mechanisms for ski touring and ride modes.
Innovation Solution
A boot binding and interface system featuring a baseplate-latching toe pedal mechanism that interchangeably secures the boot binding to either a ski touring mode interface or a ride mode interface using a pivotable toe latch pedal, eliminating the need for separate locks and pins, and allowing easy switching between modes with the rider's boot toe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate mechanisms are used for ski touring and ride modes, then each mode can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity increases and multiple parts (pins, locks) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The toe pedal mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a release lever for ski touring mode and as a locking mechanism for ride mode, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms. The single toe pedal structure integrates the functionality of multiple previous components into one universal element that adapts to different binding modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate locking and release mechanisms into a single integrated toe pedal assembly. The toe pedal works with a unified interface system that handles both ski touring release and ride mode locking functions, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the overall binding structure.
2Reliability
If multiple pins and locks are used for mode changes, then secure engagement is achieved, but the risk of lost parts increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the separate pins that were previously required for mode changes. The toe pedal mechanism directly engages with the binding interface without requiring intermediate pins, removing the source of lost parts while maintaining secure engagement through the pedal's direct mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The toe pedal mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-actuating. The rider's toe pressure on the pedal automatically triggers the mode change or release function without requiring manual manipulation of separate pins or locks, reducing the opportunity for parts to be lost during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanisms are used for binding modes, then functional versatility is achieved, but ease of operation decreases due to multiple steps and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The toe pedal is designed to be actuated automatically by the rider's toe pressure during normal boot insertion or mode change. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for manual manipulation of levers or switches, making operation as simple as stepping into the binding while maintaining full functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the rider to manually activate mode changes through complex sequences, the system inverts the approach by having the toe pedal's natural depression during normal use trigger the mode change. The passive action of toe pressure replaces active manual operation, simplifying the user interaction.
4Reliability
If traditional binding mechanisms are used, then secure locking is achieved, but susceptibility to snow impaction interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the vulnerable mechanical components that were previously exposed to snow impaction. By eliminating separate pins, springs, and complex linkages that could be blocked by snow, the design reduces the attack surface for environmental interference while maintaining locking security through the simplified toe pedal mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The toe pedal mechanism is designed with a streamlined, snow-resistant profile that minimizes snow accumulation and impaction. The pedal's geometry and positioning are optimized to shed snow rather than trap it, preventing snow from interfering with the mechanical action while preserving secure locking engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
Boot binding systems for riding a snow gliding board (1), including a pair of boot bindings (100), each binding (100) having a toe latch pedal mechanism (103,201) at the toe end of a baseplate (101,201) on which the rider's boot rests, the toe latch pedal (104,204) having dual function for a) attaching each boot binding (100) to a ride mode interface in ride mode configuration or b) attaching each boot binding (100) to a ski touring mode interface in ski touring configuration. In a "release position" the latch pedal (104,204) is disengaged so that the baseplate (101, 201) assembly may be detached or switched in turn between the ski touring mode interface and the ride mode interface. In a "lock position", the toe of the rider's boot depresses the latch pedal (104,204) and locks the boot binding (100) in place. As coplanar with the baseplate (101,201), the latch pedal (104,204) also supports the rider's boot when in the lock position.