Archive from the Fall 2001 semester.
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Over the past two decades, a number of advances in ski equipment technology have led to a significant decrease in the incidence of ski-related ankle and foot injuries. Unfortunately, a number of these same advances have led to an increase in the incidence of knee injuries. To combat this problem, we are designing a ski-binding system that will allow a calculated degree of rotation at the toe, thereby transferring torque that would normally be experienced by the knee to the binding system.
We have currently finished up the first semester of work on this project. A summary of our accomplishments is as follows.
Background research was performed on several aspects of alpine skiing. The components of the ski were studied, and current binding manufacturers were researched to develop an understanding of what is available to the skiing consumer today. Today's most successful binding manufacturers are: Salomon, Marker, Look, and Rossignol.
We also investigated the anatomical structure of the knee, where most serious ski-related injuries occur. The exact mechanics of the knee during situations of injury were studied. Currently, more quantification is needed to determine what forces act on the knee's ligaments, as well as on the binding itself.
Many binding companies are making efforts to reduce the incidence and severity of knee injuries, however their attempts seem to be inadequate, as evidenced by a steady rate of sustained knee injuries. Some of the current alternatives include an electromechanical release mechanism investigated by M. L. Hull, and a multi-release binding provided by Look.
Following extensive research and alternative considerations, a current design was chosen. The design involves a modification to the toepiece of an existing binding. The modifications will allow for a calculated degree of radial movement of the toepiece when the skier presents himself in a potentially dangerous situation. Below is an image of the modified toepiece. Please refer to the semester's Final Report and Product Design Specification for more details.
Figure 1: Proposed modification of existing toepiece of ski binding.
As for the future, a number of key design issues must be addressed. To begin, the details of the prototype must be decided. The exact measurements, the materials, and the force loads that the binding bears. Additionally, more effort will be spent quantifying the forces acting in and around the knee in different skiing situations. Once a working prototype is manufactured, testing will be done both in the laboratory and on the slopes at a nearby ski hill. Only when the safety and performance of the device are acceptable, will the patenting and marketing process begin.
Progress weeks begin on Thursdays. All dates of year 2001.
Week of
*No progress report in lieu of Thanksgiving
Figure 2: Project Timeline
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