Touring Binding Front Unit With Independent Boot Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touring bindings face challenges in easy boot positioning due to complex coupling mechanisms that increase production costs, weight, and vulnerability, particularly for inexperienced users.
Innovation Solution
A front unit for touring bindings with lateral and longitudinal positioning portions that allow independent movement relative to the ski boot, eliminating the need for additional coupling components, and utilizing a resilient means to preload the longitudinal positioning portion for easy boot alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coupling mechanism is used to automatically shift the longitudinal stop when closing the front unit, then the entry aid function is improved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the coupling mechanism that automatically shifted the longitudinal stop, extracting this function from the binding actuation arrangement. The longitudinal stop is now independently movable without being coupled to the front unit closure mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the entry aid function through manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the longitudinal stop into an independently movable component that can be adjusted separately from the front unit closure mechanism. This allows the entry aid function to be maintained while eliminating the complex coupling mechanism, as the longitudinal stop can be manually positioned without being tied to the binding actuation arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If a coupling mechanism is used to automatically shift the longitudinal stop when closing the front unit, then the entry aid function is improved, but the reliability decreases due to increased vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the longitudinal stop from the coupling mechanism, making it an independent component. This eliminates the functional vulnerability associated with complex coupling mechanisms while preserving the entry aid function, as the longitudinal stop can be manually adjusted without being part of the automated closure system.
3Ease of operation
If additional coupling components are added to transmit shifting movement, then the entry aid function is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the additional coupling components that would transmit shifting movement from the binding actuation arrangement to the longitudinal stop. By making the longitudinal stop independently movable, the design eliminates unnecessary weight while maintaining the entry aid function through manual adjustment capability.
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
Enhances operational simplicity and reduces production costs and weight while ensuring smooth boot pivoting during use, improving user experience and reducing functional vulnerabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The longitudinal stop is preloaded in the direction of the second position and, in the open position, can be locked in the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A front unit for a touring binding, comprising: two lateral bearing portions arranged on a ski transverse axis, wherein, when the front unit is in a closed position, the two lateral bearing portions are configured to engage lateral counter bearing portions of a ski boot to hold the ski boot on the front unit so that the ski boot can pivot about the ski transverse axis; and a longitudinal positioning portion on which the ski boot can be supported, wherein the counter bearing portions are positioned for engagement relative to the bearing portions, the front unit being shiftable between an open position and the closed position, wherein the bearing portions and the counter bearing portions are disengaged in the open position and engaged in the closed position, wherein the longitudinal positioning portion, relative to the bearing portions, is secured in the open position and movable in the closed position.