TELEMARK BINDING WEDGEClient: G3 Genuine Guide GearChallenge: Address the issue known as ‘rocker launch.’ Revive an aging binding product line with enhanced performance to match boot evolution and user needs.Solution: The development of a user-installed binding wedge that eliminated ‘rocker launch’ and enhanced the Targa binding’s performance. The wedge easily installs into the binding without the need to remove the binding from the ski. The wedge also enhanced the visual interest of an otherwise common binding.The wedge helped to modernize the binding's perfomance in a simple, low-investment part. Through much prototyping and testing, optimal wedge angle was determined to virtually eliminate 'rocker launch' from the binding. Binding (spring) engagement was also optimized further boosting performance and skier stability.Responsibilities: (With the highly-talented G3 Engineering Team) Problem Definition, Reverse Engineering, Prototype Creation, Design Development, Design Detailing, Test Regime Management, Screw Design, Material Specifications.Couoir Magazine – 2006 – G3 Targa Wedge – Honorable Mention – Best Accessory
ASCENT TELEMARK BINDINGClient: G3 Genuine Guide GearChallenge: Create a free-pivoting touring telemark binding, based on the existing Targa toeplate/cable system, that increases performance, is lightweight, integrates a ski crampon and is easy to use.Solution: The design solution involved much conceptual development, prototyping and testing. The final design increases performance of the standard Targa binding by integrating a wedge into the design. The front actuator and elastomeric heel spring make for a clear, quiet, and highly useable ski binding in the worst of conditions.Responsibilities: (With the highly-talented G3 Engineering Team) Conceptual Development, Prototyping, Testing, Material Specification, CAD, Production Drawings, Quality Control Standards and Requirements, Operational LogicISPO Outdoor Award – 2005 - G3 Targa Ascent Binding
SKI CRAMPONClient: G3 Genuine Guide GearChallenge: Design a ski crampon (harsheisen) that is tailored to integrate with the Targa Ascent telemark binding. Made in two widths, the crampon was to work in both ski and tour mode, be engaged and disengaged without removing the ski, as well as being robust and lightweight.Solution: The ski crampons for the Ascent binding have proven to raise the bar in the category. Their geometry provide solid engagement throughout the gait cycle, coupled with stiffness and toughness in high-loading situations.The ingenious attachment mechanism provides solid engagement with comforting auditory feedback. It also provides the ability to be installed and removed easily while wearing bulky mittens - without removing the ski. The cable actuators also serve the dual purpose of being clip-on attachment points to pack or harness for easy access and quiet behaviour when not in use.Responsibilities: (With the highly-talented G3 Engineering Team) Concept Development, Research, Material Selection, CAD, Production Drawings, Pictorial Instructions, Testing
Skin Strap/Ski StrapsClient: G3 Genuine Guide GearChallenge: The family of elastomeric straps used for both skins attachment as well as the highly utilitarian ski straps, were in need of an update. The update was required to both anticipate increases in ski widths, as well as update and improve the attachment mechanism for a new line of climbing skins.Solution: The design of a new family of elastomeric straps that increased users ability to grip and manipulate them, error-reduction in lockout, eliminated jamming with adjacent parts of the skins attachment assembly, and ski strap lengths were updated to reflect and anticipate the trend toward fatter skis. Aesthetically, the new strap family has a marked increase in visual and tactile interest.Responsibilities: Conceptual Development, Design Detailing, CAD, Production Drawings
PARKING METERClient: NineDots Inc., Altatec Inc.Challenge: In many Provinces in China, theft and vandalism of in-ground, fixed parking meters was disrupting the justification for such a collection system.Design a portable, handheld parking meter that could remain within the parked car. Either hanging from the rear view mirror, or standing on the dash board, the meter could be checked for credit (purchased at convenience stores) using radio frequency.Solution: The design of the parking meter is both elegant, and speaks highly of utility. The overall shape is comfortable in the hand and the geometry discourages slippage/dropping. The integrated rear-view mirror hanger/stand inverts to protect the screen and keypad when not in use.Responsibilities: Electronics Integration, Conceptual Development, Design Detailing, CAD, Production Drawings
SKI TIP PLUGClient: G3 Genuine Guide GearChallenge: Develop a reliable system for plugging tip (rescue) holes in tips of new ski line. The plugs must be removable in the field, and not detract from ski graphic.Solution: The combination of geometry and material allowed for a two-part plug system that accommodates the variable thicknesses of ski tips. The plugs worked flawlessly and are proven to be removable in the field for emergency purposes (i.e. rescue sled, hauling).The tip plugs provide a branding signature to differentiate the (then) new ski line from other manufacturers without the expense of die-cutting bases. The plugs are clear and add dimensionality and interest to the skis.Responsibilities: Problem Definition, Concept Development, Design Development, Design Detailing, Production Drawings, Material Specifications, Vendor Collaboration.