Sensor-Controlled Ski Knee Protector and Boot Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee protectors for skiing fail to consider multiple factors contributing to injuries, and release systems may not function properly under high stress, increasing the risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A protection assembly with a dual-control system that includes a knee protector with active and non-active conditions, sensors to detect kinematic and dynamic data, and a coupling device to release the boot from the ski based on sensor data, optimizing protection and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed or locked release system is used for expert users, then the release system can withstand higher stresses, but it increases the risk of injury by being unable to release the boot from the ski in the event of actual necessity
Solution Approach 1:
The release system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, adaptive system that automatically adjusts its release characteristics based on real-time detection of stress levels, fall conditions, and user status through sensors and control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the release parameters dynamically by detecting stress magnitude, duration, and patterns through sensors, then adjusting the release threshold and timing accordingly to differentiate between normal high-stress skiing and dangerous conditions requiring release
2Force
If the release system is adjusted for expert users, then it can handle higher stresses, but it may fail to release when actually needed, increasing injury probability
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors stress levels, acceleration patterns, and sensor data from multiple sources, providing real-time feedback to the control algorithm that adjusts release thresholds dynamically based on the detected conditions and user response patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the mechanical stress on the boot-ski interface and the release mechanism, processing sensor data and determining the appropriate release timing and force to protect the user while allowing legitimate high-stress activities
3Device complexity
If a single-factor protection approach is used, then the protector design is simpler, but it fails to consider multiple factors and different causes that may result in injury or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is segmented into multiple independent sensor units detecting different physical quantities (stress, acceleration, position) and separate control algorithms that process each type of data independently before integrating them into a comprehensive protection decision
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions by processing various sensor inputs simultaneously, detecting different injury mechanisms, and coordinating multiple protection responses including gradual stiffening, sudden release, and alert generation within a single integrated platform
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances knee protection by dynamically adjusting to potential hazards and releasing the boot when necessary, reducing the risk of injury during skiing.
Implementation Method 1
the active condition may envisage the presence of an inflated inflatable bag or inflated airbag for protecting the knee
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A protection assembly (100) for protecting a user is described. The assembly comprises a knee protector (12) configured to assume an active knee protection condition and a non-active condition or rest condition, a first actuator (13) connected to the knee protector in order to change a condition of said knee protector (12) from said active protection condition to said non-active condition and vice versa; first sensors (10a) configured to detect kinematic and/or dynamic and/or load data relating to the knee; a first control device (1c) connected to the knee protector and to the first sensors; a coupling and uncoupling device (18) for skis configured to connect in a detachable manner or disconnect a ski boot to/from the respective ski; a second actuator (23) connected to the coupling and uncoupling device (18) so as to operate said coupling and uncoupling device (18) in order to release the boot from the respective ski. The first control device (1c) is configured to process and/or evaluate data received from the first sensors (10a) in order to emit a first signal for controlling or commanding at least one activation of the first actuator (13) and/or to emit a second signal for controlling or commanding at least one activation of the second actuator (23).