SEDL / STP / STP1266-EB / STP37942S

A New Electromechanical Ski Binding with Release Sensitivity to Torsion and Bending Moments Transmitted by the Leg

Neptune, RR
Research assistant and professor, University of California, Davis, CA

Hull, ML
Research assistant and professor, University of California, Davis, CA

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1996

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Abstract

Described in this paper is the design of a new electromechanical ski binding where release in both twist and forward bending is controlled electronically and the release level in twist is modulated electronically based on the neural stimulation of one of the vastii muscles in the quadriceps group. To provide signals for controlling release in the two modes, the binding incorporates two dynamometers. Each dynamometer measures loads which have been shown to correlate strongly (r² > 0.90) to torsional and bending moments at the lower leg injury sites. Although the binding consists of both a toepiece and heelpiece, the toepiece does not permit release of the boot from the ski in the twist mode but rather serves as one of the dynamometers. Consequently the heelpiece was specifically designed to provide the release function in both modes. Release is realized by a low-force solenoid which actuates a multilink trigger mechanism. To prove the feasibility of the binding, a prototype was constructed and evaluated.