Touring Snowboard Binding With Self-Locking Half-Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowboard binding systems for touring snowboards are cumbersome and difficult to handle with ski gloves, with complicated adjustments and sensitivity to snow accumulation, particularly in transitioning between descent and hiking positions.
Innovation Solution
A binding system featuring two independent half-interfaces with convergent coupling elements and a locking mechanism that allows easy attachment and detachment without tools, with a locking system that automatically returns to the locked position, reducing exposed parts and snow accumulation, and enabling adjustment of the binding angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional binding system with multiple removable parts is used, then the binding can be adjusted and detached, but the system becomes complicated and difficult to handle with ski gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attachment and locking functions into a single integrated mechanism. The T-shaped coupling element integrates the attachment body and blocking head into one piece, while the locking finger combines the locking action with the attachment process, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing the number of removable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding system employs self-locking and self-unlocking mechanisms. The elastic element automatically returns the locking finger to the locking position after attachment, and the unlocking lever provides a simple one-handed operation that automatically triggers the unlocking sequence, making the system easy to operate even with ski gloves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple exposed parts and interfaces are used for binding adjustment, then the binding can be customized, but snow accumulation blocks or prevents the binding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment functionality from separate exposed mechanisms and integrates it into the base structure itself. The arcuate notches are formed directly in the base, and the coupling elements interact with these notches in a controlled manner, reducing the number of exposed adjustment parts that could accumulate snow.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having adjustment mechanisms that move outward or expose parts during adjustment, the patent inverts the approach by having the coupling elements slide within recesses and notches that are partially concealed. The locking finger and elastic element work from the interior, keeping the interface compact and less susceptible to snow accumulation.
3Ease of operation
If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then the binding is easy to operate, but the stability and stiffness in downhill position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs arcuate notches with curved geometries that provide mechanical engagement surfaces. The convergent shape of the coupling elements within these curved notches creates stable interlocking when engaged, while the curvature allows for smooth sliding during attachment and detachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking finger is pre-positioned by the elastic element to engage with the coupling element. When the base is attached to the board, the locking finger automatically moves into the locked position, establishing stability before the downhill activity begins, without requiring additional adjustment steps.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (1) for binding shoes to a touring snowboard (3) comprising two longitudinal board sections (3a, 3b), said binding system (1) comprising: a base (5); a first interface (7) attached to the snowboard (3) comprising, in particular, two independent half-interfaces (7a, 7b); and a second interface (9) placed on the base (5) and attached to the first interface (7), such that each half-interface (7a, 7b) includes at least one coupling element (11), the second interface (9) includes at least two openings (90) for receiving and blocking the coupling elements (11), and the second interface (9) also comprises at least one locking system (13) for locking at least one coupling element (11) in its associated reception and blocking opening (90).