Telemark Binding Lever-Slider Switching for Walk and Ski Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Telemark bindings for alpine skiing do not provide a seamless transition between uphill walking and downhill skiing configurations, requiring multiple lever operations and complicating the user experience.
Innovation Solution
A Telemark binding design that allows a single service lever to be rotated twice to switch between uphill walking and downhill skiing configurations, utilizing a slider mechanism and elastic means to stabilize the jaw positions and facilitate smooth transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple lever operations are required to switch between uphill walking and downhill skiing configurations, then the transition process becomes more controlled and stable, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity of user input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lever operations into a single service lever that performs both uphill walking engagement and downhill skiing locking functions. The service lever integrates the actuation of the first locking element (for uphill walking) and the second locking element (for downhill skiing) into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate lever operations and simplifying the user interface while maintaining controlled transitions between configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The service lever is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform multiple operations: it engages the first locking element for uphill walking, disengages it, then engages the second locking element for downhill skiing, and disengages it. This universal lever replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized levers, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the stability and control of configuration transitions
2Ease of operation
If a single service lever is used to perform multiple operations, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to the multifunctional mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The service lever mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first portion that interacts with the first locking element for uphill walking operations, and a second portion that interacts with the second locking element for downhill skiing operations. The slider is also segmented with a first end for uphill walking engagement and a second end for downhill skiing engagement. This segmentation allows the single service lever to perform multiple functions while maintaining clear separation of duties, reducing the complexity burden of multi-functionality
3Reliability
If the slider is positioned forward, then the downhill skiing configuration is achieved with secure locking, but the uphill walking capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is designed as a dynamic component that can be positioned in different locations along its travel path. In the forward position, it engages the second locking element for downhill skiing; in the rearward position, it engages the first locking element for uphill walking. The elastic means provide dynamic stabilization at each position, automatically returning the slider to the appropriate configuration. This dynamic positioning allows the binding to adapt between configurations while maintaining reliability in each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The slider acts as an intermediary mechanism between the service lever and the two locking elements. It translates the rotational motion of the service lever into linear motion that selectively engages either the first or second locking element. This intermediary function allows a single service lever operation to control multiple locking states, enabling configuration transitions while maintaining adaptability between uphill and downhill modes
4Stability of the object's composition
If the jaw positions are stabilized with elastic means, then the configuration stability improves, but the flexibility for smooth transitions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means are pre-loaded to provide a restoring force that automatically returns the jaws to their stable positions. When the service lever initiates a configuration change, the elastic means gradually guide the jaws through the transition, providing preliminary stabilization force that ensures smooth movement. This preliminary action prevents sudden jumps or instability during transitions while maintaining the stabilized positions once the transition is complete
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Maintains ease of use by allowing a single lever operation to switch between configurations, providing a seamless transition for both uphill walking and downhill skiing in Telemark mode.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means that are arranged to stabilize the position of the first jaw and of the second jaw, so that the first jaw and the second jaw can assume: a configuration ready to receive the toe of a ski boot, and a configuration of toe of ski boot locked
Implementation Method 2
a translation of the slider towards the forward position determines a rotation of the first locking element such that the first locking portion can lock the first side portion of the toe of the ski boot and that a translation of the slider towards the rearward position determines an opposite rotation of the first locking element
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6B
Figure 7~9
AI summary
Telemark binding (1) for ski mountaineering, comprising: a base (2); a first jaw (11); a second jaw (12); a first pin (21) which is carried by the first jaw (11); a second pin (22) which is carried by the second jaw (12), the first jaw (11) and the second jaw (12) being arranged with respect to each other to assume: a configuration (A) ready to receive the toe (3) of a ski boot (9), and a configuration (B) with the toe (3) of the ski boot (9) hooked; an actuation lever (4) for the release (7) of the toe (3) of the ski boot (9); a slider (5) which is slidable with respect to the base (2) to assume a forward position (AP) and a rearward position (BP); a service lever (6) which is designed so that, starting from the configuration (B) with the toe (3) of the ski boot (9) hooked, a first rotation of the service lever (6) in a second direction of rotation (R2) brings a first end (31) of the service lever (6) to abut the base (2), so that the same service lever (6) assumes a first position (FP) in which the user can walk uphill; a first hook (7) which is sized to hook a rear protrusion (49) of the forefoot of the ski boot (9), which protrudes towards the heel of the ski boot (9); a longitudinal member (8) which is elastically extendable, on one side it is connected to the first hook (7), on the other side it is rotatably coupled to the slider (5) and is movable by the slider (5). The service lever (6) is designed so that from the configuration (B) with the toe (3) of the ski boot (9) hooked, and after the first rotation, a subsequent second rotation of the service lever (6) in the same second direction of rotation (R2) brings the first end (31) of the service lever (6): to move the slider (5) towards the forward position (AP), at least until the first hook (7) can hook the rear protrusion (49) of the forefoot of the ski boot (9); and to abut the base (2), so that the same service lever (6) assumes a second position (SP) in which the user can ski downhill in Telemark mode.