Telemark Binding Lever Mechanism for Walk-Ski Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Telemark bindings for alpine skiing require complex mechanisms for switching between uphill walking and downhill skiing configurations, often involving multiple lever operations, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A Telemark binding design that allows for a single service lever to be rotated twice to seamlessly transition between uphill walking and downhill skiing configurations, utilizing a slider mechanism and elastic means to lock the ski boot securely in both positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple lever operations are used to switch between uphill walking and downhill skiing configurations, then the binding can achieve configuration switching, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lever operations into a single service lever that performs both configuration switching and boot locking functions. The service lever integrates the actuation lever and locking element functions, allowing the user to switch between uphill walking and downhill skiing configurations through one continuous rotational motion instead of multiple separate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The service lever is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously controls both the configuration switching (between walking and skiing modes) and the boot locking mechanisms. This universal lever performs multiple functions that were previously separated into different components, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining secure locking in both positions.
2Ease of operation
If a simplified lever operation is used to switch between configurations, then the operation becomes easier and more efficient, but the mechanism must maintain secure boot locking in both positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the rotational position of the service lever. As the service lever rotates to switch configurations, the locking elements self-activate to secure the boot in the new position without requiring additional manual locking steps. This self-service mechanism maintains reliability while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic means are pre-loaded to automatically engage the locking elements at specific rotational positions of the service lever. The preliminary action of the elastic means ensures that the boot locking occurs automatically and securely as the service lever reaches the appropriate position, maintaining reliability without requiring separate locking operations.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient switching between uphill walking and downhill skiing modes with a simplified lever operation, maintaining secure boot locking in both configurations.
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, in which the first pin and the second pin are at a first distance from each other; and a configuration of toe of ski boot locked
Data Source
AI summary
A telemark binding includes a base, a first jaw, a second jaw, a first pin carried by the first jaw, a second pin carried by the second jaw the first and second jaws being arranged with respect to each other to assume: a first configuration ready to receive the toe of a ski boot, and a second configuration with the toe of the ski boot hooked; a slider slidable with respect to the bas; a service lever designed so that, starting from the second configuration with the toe of the ski boot hooked, a first rotation of the service lever in a second direction of rotation brings a first end of the service lever to abut the base, so that the service lever assumes a first position in which the user can walk uphill; a first hook sized to hook a rear protrusion; a longitudinal member elastically extendable.