SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1985
STP46643S

Field Testing of a Microcomputer-Controlled Snow Ski Binding

Source

The novel ski binding used in this study, which has been field tested, incorporates a microcomputer controller and an integral binding/dynamometer. The microcomputer controller, designed as a research tool for field testing release decision theories, embodies the Intel 8086 microprocessor. This instrumentation system not only undertakes real-time control but also records transducer data by means of a miniature digital cassette tape recorder. The integral binding/dynamometer both directly measures all of the six boot load components and offers electromechanical release. To enable the user to operate the computer conveniently, extensive operating software was developed. The operating software is discussed in relation to both the acquisition and storage of data from the six-load-component dynamometer and the control of the electromechanical snow ski binding. The field test procedure consisted of both controlling the binding function and recording the transducer data as a test subject skied over a measured ten-turn slalom course. Despite the fact that the release decision theory simply compared quasi-static pain thresholds with measured axial torque and fore/aft bending moments, the binding satisfied both the release and retention requirements demanded by the tests. The recorded loading data were returned to the laboratory and analyzed. The first analysis consisted of generating time series plots of individual loading components. A second analysis consisted of simulating various release decision theories on a laboratory computer. These theories are evaluated in terms of their ability to meet both the release and the retention requirements.

Author Information

MacGregor, Duncan
University of California, Davis, CA
Hull, Maury, L.
University of California, Davis, CA
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: F27
Pages: 258–281
DOI: 10.1520/STP46643S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-6832-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-6833-6