Method to examine how geometry affects the release and retention of alpine touring boot-binding systems. Issue 10 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhu, Heng; Scher, Irving S.; Stepan, Lenka L.; Shen, I.Y.
• Is Part Of: Journal of science and medicine in sport. Volume 24:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: 1026
• Page End: 1031
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Alpine touring -- Ski binding -- Ski boots -- Kinematics -- Contact forces -- Binding release; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- physiology -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; Sportgeneeskunde; 617.102705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.05.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-2440

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Develop a method to examine the effects of component geometry and force-deflection on the release process of Tech/Pin alpine touring (AT) ski boots and bindings. Design and methods: For seven AT boots, we measured the critical geometric dimensions of the metal inserts at the toe region of the boots. Binding geometry (including the pins and rocker arms) and the force-angular deflection curves of typical AT bindings were measured. A kinematic model was derived to predict the contact force between the metal inserts of the AT boots and the pins of the AT bindings, dependent on angular displacement of the binding rocker arms. By combining the kinematic model, the force-angular deflection curves, and moment equilibrium, we determined the force and binding rotation angle needed to release the AT boot in a direction normal to the ski. Results: The metal AT boot insert geometry and AT binding pin geometry and dimensions can affect significantly the contact states and kinematics of release. Two load-deflection curves of similar peak loads can result in significantly different maximal forces and angles to release the binding, even when the geometry and dimensions of the binding pins and boot inserts remain unchanged. Conclusions: The g eometry and dimensions of the binding (pins and rocker arm) and the boot inserts define the kinematics of the binding release. The model can be used to test the effects of varying parameters on the release and retention characteristics of Tech/Pin boot-binding systems to optimize the release and retention characteristics.