Introduction Enhancing sled performance through technological advancements is crucial in ice channel sports like luge. Previous studies (Irbe et al., 2021) have focused extensively on ice and steel friction in laboratory settings without considering athlete integration. In this project, an integrative solution is created to determine the interaction between an athlete on a sled and the ice channel surface. Therefore, advanced sensory technologies are employed in a luge to capture real-time data during runs for evaluating the performance and comparing different setups with similar boundary conditions. The aim of the project is to identify optimal sled configurations, understand force dynamics, and to improve the sled design. Methods Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) are utilized to measure the momentary acceleration, Hall effect sensors are used to determine the compression of the sled in the direction perpendicular to the ice surface, and a camera is mounted to the front part of the sled to capture the run. The recorded data is stored on a Raspberry Pi fixed to the bottom of the sled body and can be imported to a dashboard afterwards for further analysis of the run and optimization of the sled geometry. Results Importing the recorded data to the dashboard allows for visual comparison between the acceleration and position of the sled over time and the corresponding synchronized video, showing significant insights into sled dynamics and its interaction with the ice channel, including geometry changes of the tracks and vibrations due to inhomogeneities of the ice. Discussion Identifying geometric changes in a luge run and correlating them with variations in sled dynamics marks a significant advancement in understanding sled behavior and its interaction with the ice channel, which is essential for optimizing performance. The project shows the potential of comparing different sled setups based on a set of measurable parameters, revealing the complex interplay of mechanical and dynamic factors in luge.
© Copyright 2024 15. Symposium der dvs-Sektion "Sportinformatik und Sporttechnologie": Zwischen Geistesakrobatik und praktischer Anwendung: Innovationen in der Sportinformatik und Sporttechnologie - Abstractband. Veröffentlicht von Technische Universität Dortmund. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.