Method for programmed release in ski bindings
First Claim
1. In a ski binding for releasably securing a ski boot to a ski, a method for minimizing injuries in a lower extremity of a skier, said method comprising:
- measuring a plurality of mechanical deflections induced in said ski binding from interaction between said skier and said ski;
developing a plurality of first electrical signals, each of said first signals being determined from a different one of said deflections;
developing a plurality of second electrical signals determined from a relationship between said first signals, said second signals defining a measurement of forces along first selected ones of longitudinal, lateral, and vertical axes of said ski and moments about second selected ones of said axes, said mechanical deflections occurring in response to said forces and said moments; and
computing from said second signals an actual angle of deflection based on a preprogrammed relationship between said second signals, said actual angle of deflection being about a location of said lower extremity of the skier, said location being selected to prevent injury thereto, said computing step including comparing said actual angle of deflection with a predetermined critical angle of deflection to initiate a release of said ski binding in the event said actual angle exceeds said critical angle.
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Abstract
A method for achieving programmed release ski bindings include formulation of biomechanical models and associated equations for determining release criteria in order to minimize selected types of lower extremity ski injuries. Analog and digital control circuits are also disclosed for computing the release variables from the biomechanical model equations and comparing the variable values to the release criteria in order to precisely generate a release initiating signal. Loads measured in the ski binding drive the biomechanical model equations. The ski binding assembly has a releasable binding for rigidly securing the ski boot to the ski with a release actuating element for releasing the ski boot from the binding upon occurrence of a release condition as determined by the associated control circuit.
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Citations
1 Claim
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1. In a ski binding for releasably securing a ski boot to a ski, a method for minimizing injuries in a lower extremity of a skier, said method comprising:
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measuring a plurality of mechanical deflections induced in said ski binding from interaction between said skier and said ski; developing a plurality of first electrical signals, each of said first signals being determined from a different one of said deflections; developing a plurality of second electrical signals determined from a relationship between said first signals, said second signals defining a measurement of forces along first selected ones of longitudinal, lateral, and vertical axes of said ski and moments about second selected ones of said axes, said mechanical deflections occurring in response to said forces and said moments; and computing from said second signals an actual angle of deflection based on a preprogrammed relationship between said second signals, said actual angle of deflection being about a location of said lower extremity of the skier, said location being selected to prevent injury thereto, said computing step including comparing said actual angle of deflection with a predetermined critical angle of deflection to initiate a release of said ski binding in the event said actual angle exceeds said critical angle.
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Specification