Skates and method for determining the coefficient of friction thereof

Abstract

The application relates to a skate and a method for determining the friction coefficient of the skate. The skate comprises a shoe body, a blade, an upper connecting piece, a lower connecting piece and a sensor. The shoe body is connected with the upper connecting piece, and the blade is connected with the lower connecting piece. The sensor is located between the upper connecting piece and the lower connecting piece and is connected with the upper connecting piece and the lower connecting piece. The sensor is used for acquiring and sending the horizontal shear force and the vertical normal pressure between the upper connecting piece and the lower connecting piece. The sensor connected between the upper connecting piece and the lower connecting piece of the skate can acquire and send the horizontal shear force and the vertical normal pressure between the upper connecting piece and the lower connecting piece, and the friction coefficient between the skate and the ice surface can be calculated according to the horizontal shear force and the vertical normal pressure, so that the technical problem that the existing testing instrument cannot measure the friction coefficient between the skate and the ice surface in a dynamic process is solved. Meanwhile, the skate has the characteristics of simple structure, compactness and convenience in wearing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sports equipment technology, and in particular to an ice skate and a method for determining its coefficient of friction. Background Technology

[0002] Friction is a common energy conversion and consumption phenomenon in production and daily life, and its influence on ice and snow sports is significant. In ice and snow sports, friction affects gliding speed, and athletes must adapt to and utilize friction to maintain balance and execute technical movements. Sports equipment needs design adjustments based on data such as friction, and the composition of ice and snow surfaces needs to be finalized through friction coefficient measurements. Furthermore, athletes' technical movements are adjusted to some extent based on the friction coefficient. Therefore, conducting field experiments to test the friction coefficient is of great significance. Currently, laboratory testing instruments such as the UMT friction and wear testing machine and rheometer can relatively accurately measure the friction coefficient between ice skate materials and the ice surface, but these are difficult to apply on actual ice rinks or snow surfaces. Moreover, during actual sports activities, stresses and motion states change in real time, affecting the friction coefficient in real time—a phenomenon difficult to simulate in laboratory tests. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a method for determining the friction coefficient of ice skates and the ice surface, addressing the technical problem that existing testing instruments cannot measure the friction coefficient between ice skates and the ice surface during dynamic processes.

[0004] An ice skate, the ice skate comprising: a skate body, an ice blade, an upper connector, a lower connector, and a sensor;

[0005] The shoe body is connected to the upper connector, and the ice skate is connected to the lower connector;

[0006] The sensor is located between the upper connector and the lower connector and is connected to the upper connector and the lower connector. The sensor is used to acquire and transmit the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force between the upper connector and the lower connector.

[0007] As shown in the above ice skate, the sensor connected between the upper and lower connectors can acquire and transmit the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force between the upper and lower connectors. Then, the friction coefficient between the ice skate and the ice surface can be calculated based on the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force. This solves the technical problem that existing testing instruments cannot measure the friction coefficient between the ice skate and the ice surface during dynamic processes. At the same time, the ice skate also has the characteristics of simple structure, compactness and ease of wearing.

[0008] In one embodiment, the sensor is a three-dimensional force sensor.

[0009] This simplifies the structure and reduces the weight of the skates, ensuring that they are worn properly by athletes.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sensor is connected to the upper connector via a first threaded component, and the sensor is connected to the lower connector via a second threaded component.

[0011] This facilitates the replacement of the sensor.

[0012] In one embodiment, a spring washer is provided between the sensor and the upper connector, and the first threaded member passes through the spring washer.

[0013] Thus, the spring washer facilitates the transmission of force.

[0014] In one embodiment, the upper connector has a plurality of first mounting holes located above the center of the sensor and used to allow the first threaded member to pass through.

[0015] The arrangement of the first mounting holes and the second mounting holes in this way facilitates the force applied to the sensor, which can improve the accuracy of the sensor and also enhance the connection strength of the sensor.

[0016] In one embodiment, both the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole are evenly distributed circumferentially.

[0017] In this way, the sensor can be effectively subjected to force while ensuring the connection strength of the sensor.

[0018] In one embodiment, the lower connector is a plate-like structure that protrudes toward the ice skate to form a receiving cavity, in which the sensor is mounted.

[0019] The lower connector of this structure can minimize the lifting height of the entire ice skate device, while also providing protection for the sensor.

[0020] In one embodiment, a wiring gap exists between the connector and the lower connector, and the wiring gap communicates with the receiving cavity.

[0021] Thus, the wiring gap facilitates the cable routing from the sensor, taking into account the different wiring directions of the sensor.

[0022] In one embodiment, the diameter of the middle portion of the upper connector is greater than the width of the front and rear portions, the diameter of the middle portion of the lower connector is greater than the width of the front and rear portions, and the sensor is connected to the middle portions of the upper connector and the lower connector.

[0023] In this way, the sensor can be securely installed without increasing the size of the upper and lower connectors as much as possible, making it easy for athletes to wear.

[0024] A method for determining the coefficient of friction of ice skates, the method comprising:

[0025] Using sensors on the ice skate, the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force between the upper and lower connectors of the ice skate are obtained;

[0026] The coefficient of friction between the ice skate and the ice surface is calculated by dividing the horizontal shear force by the vertical normal force.

[0027] The method for determining the friction coefficient of the ice skate described above can obtain the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force between the upper and lower connecting parts through a sensor connected between the upper and lower connecting parts. Then, the friction coefficient between the ice skate and the ice surface can be calculated based on the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force. This solves the technical problem that existing testing instruments cannot measure the friction coefficient between the ice skate and the ice surface during dynamic processes. At the same time, the ice skate also has the characteristics of simple and compact structure and easy to wear. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice skate provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the force analysis of an ice skate in a gliding state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly between the sensor and the upper and lower connecting parts according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the sensor and the upper and lower connectors provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the upper connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The labels in the attached diagram are explained as follows:

[0035] 100, Shoe body; 200, Ice skate; 210, Mounting frame; 300, Upper connector; 300a, First mounting hole; 310, Heightening boss; 400, Lower connector; 400a, Second mounting hole; 400b, Receiving cavity; 400c, Wiring gap; 500, Sensor; 600, Spring washer. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0038] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0042] Friction is a common energy conversion and consumption phenomenon in production and daily life, and its influence on ice and snow sports is significant. In ice and snow sports, friction affects gliding speed, and athletes must adapt to and utilize friction to maintain balance and execute technical movements. Sports equipment needs design adjustments based on data such as friction, and the composition of ice and snow surfaces needs to be finalized through friction coefficient measurements. Furthermore, athletes' technical movements are adjusted to some extent based on the friction coefficient. Therefore, conducting field experiments to test the friction coefficient is of great significance. Currently, laboratory testing instruments such as the UMT friction and wear testing machine and rheometer can relatively accurately measure the friction coefficient between ice skate materials and the ice surface, but these are difficult to apply on actual ice rinks or snow surfaces. Moreover, during actual sports activities, stresses and motion states change in real time, affecting the friction coefficient in real time—a phenomenon difficult to simulate in laboratory tests.

[0043] In response, one embodiment of the present invention provides an ice skate, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the ice skate includes: a skate body 100, an ice blade 200, an upper connector 300, a lower connector 400, and a sensor 500; the skate body 100 is connected to the upper connector 300, and the ice blade 200 is connected to the lower connector 400; as shown... Figure 3 As shown, sensor 500 is located between upper connector 300 and lower connector 400 and is connected to both upper connector 300 and lower connector 400. Sensor 500 is used to acquire and transmit the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force between upper connector 300 and lower connector 400.

[0044] The skates may include, but are not limited to, roller skates and inline skates. As an example, the front and rear ends of the skate body 100 can be mounted to the front and rear ends of the upper connector 300 via threaded fittings (e.g., screws). It should be noted that the front and rear directions referred to throughout this text are... Figure 1 The front and back directions shown are for reference. If a height difference needs to be set between the front and back ends of the shoe body (100mm), such as... Figure 1 As shown, a heightening boss 310 can be provided at the rear end of the upper connector 300, and the rear end of the shoe body 100 can be connected to the heightening boss 310 via a threaded component. The front and rear ends of the ice skate 200 can also be mounted on the front and rear ends of the lower connector 400 via threaded components (e.g., screws). Mounting frames 210 can be provided on both the front and rear ends of the ice skate 200 (see...). Figure 1 The front and rear ends of the lower connector 400 are both installed on the corresponding mounting frame 210 via threaded parts.

[0045] The following is combined with Figure 2 How to use sensor 500 to determine the coefficient of friction between the ice skate and the ice surface during the ice skate's gliding process.

[0046] Let the mass of the part above sensor 500 be M, the mass of sensor 500 together with the ice skate 200 and lower connecting part 400 below sensor 500 be m, the acceleration of the athlete wearing the device during free skating be a, the frictional force on the ice surface exerted on the athlete and ice skate be f, and the horizontal shear force measured by sensor 500 be F, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 2 As shown. Using Newton's second and third laws, F' = Ma, fF = ma, and F = F', we can obtain F = f - ma = Ma. Since m (approximately 3 kg) is much smaller than M (approximately 70 kg), ma can be ignored. Therefore, we can approximate the shear force measured by sensor 500 as equal to the frictional force between the ice and the skate, i.e., F ≈ f. Then, dividing F directly by the normal force FN measured by the mechanical sensor 500 yields the coefficient of friction between the skate and the ice surface. If the acceleration is kept constant and known during the experiment using a ramp, or if the acceleration is directly measured, the coefficient of friction can be obtained more accurately.

[0047] As an example, the ice skate also includes a processing module for receiving the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force transmitted by the sensor 500 between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400, and dividing the vertical normal force by the horizontal shear force to obtain the coefficient of friction between the ice skate and the ice surface. Optionally, the processing module can be a computer.

[0048] As shown in the above ice skate, the sensor 500 connected between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400 can acquire and transmit the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400. Then, the friction coefficient between the ice skate and the ice surface can be calculated based on the horizontal shear force and the vertical normal force. This solves the technical problem that existing testing instruments cannot measure the friction coefficient between the ice skate and the ice surface during dynamic processes. At the same time, the ice skate also has the characteristics of simple structure, compactness and easy wear.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor 500 is a three-dimensional force sensor. It is understood that this type of sensor 500 can acquire both the horizontal shear force between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400, and the vertical normal force between them. This simplifies the structure and reduces the weight of the skates, ensuring that they are not affected by the athlete's normal wearing habits.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor 500 is connected to the upper connector 300 via a first threaded component, and the sensor 500 is connected to the lower connector 400 via a second threaded component. This facilitates the replacement of the sensor 500. Optionally, the first threaded component can be a threaded rod structure such as a bolt or screw. The number of the first and second threaded components can be set according to specific circumstances, for example, four of each.

[0051] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, a spring washer 600 is provided between the sensor 500 and the upper connector 300, and a first threaded member passes through the spring washer 600. The spring washer 600 facilitates force transmission. It is understood that when there are multiple first threaded members, at least one spring washer 600 is provided at each first threaded member (e.g., one washer is provided).

[0052] Specifically, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first connector has multiple first mounting holes 300a, located above the center of the sensor 500 and used for the first threaded component to pass through. The lower connector 400 has multiple second mounting holes 400a, located below the periphery of the sensor 500 and used for the second threaded component to pass through. It can be understood that the upper center of the sensor 500 also has mounting holes that mate with the first threaded component, and the lower periphery of the sensor 500 also has mounting holes that mate with the second threaded component. This distribution of the first mounting holes 300a and second mounting holes 400a facilitates the force applied to the sensor 500, improving its accuracy and connection strength.

[0053] Regarding the number of the first mounting hole 300a and the second mounting hole 400a, the embodiments of the present invention do not impose specific limitations, as long as the sensor 500 can effectively bear force and the connection strength of the sensor 500 can be guaranteed. For example, Figure 5 As shown, four first mounting holes 300a are provided on the first connecting plate, and as... Figure 6 As shown, four second mounting holes 400a are provided on the second connecting plate.

[0054] Optionally, the first mounting hole 300a and the second mounting hole 400a are both evenly distributed circumferentially. This ensures that the sensor 500 can effectively bear force while maintaining the connection strength of the sensor 500.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, the lower connector 400 is a plate-like structure that protrudes towards the skate blade 200 to form a receiving cavity 400b, in which the sensor 500 is installed. It can be understood that the lower end of the sensor 500 is connected to the bottom of the receiving cavity 400b. This structure of the lower connector 400 minimizes the lifting height of the entire skate assembly and also provides protection for the sensor 500.

[0056] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, a wiring gap 400c exists between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400, and the wiring gap 400c communicates with the receiving cavity 400b. This wiring gap 400c facilitates the cable routing from the sensor 500, taking into account the wiring directions of different sensors 500. Of course, in some other embodiments of the present invention, a wireless communication module can also be configured on the sensor 500, in which case it is not necessary to leave a wiring gap 400c between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the diameter of the middle part of the upper connector 300 is larger than the width of the front and rear ends, as... Figure 6 As shown, the diameter of the middle part of the lower connector 400 is larger than the width of the front and rear ends. The sensor 500 is connected to the middle parts of the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400. In this way, the sensor 500 can be securely installed, while minimizing the increase in the size of the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400, making it convenient for athletes to wear.

[0058] In summary, the ice skate provided by the embodiments of the present invention can realize the connection and effective force transmission of the sensor 500, the ice blade 200 and the shoe body 100, and can be worn for field testing. It also minimizes the size of the parts while ensuring rigidity, has a compact structure, is easy to operate and assemble, and can realize the rapid assembly and disassembly of the entire device. It also takes into account the wiring direction of the sensor 500 and leaves space between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400.

[0059] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for determining the coefficient of friction of ice skates, the method comprising:

[0060] Step S100: Using the sensor 500 of the ice skate, obtain the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400 of the ice skate;

[0061] Step S200: Divide the horizontal shear force by the vertical normal force to calculate the coefficient of friction between the skate and the ice surface.

[0062] Among them, such as Figure 1 As shown, the ice skate includes: a skate body 100, an ice blade 200, an upper connector 300, a lower connector 400, and a sensor 500; the skate body 100 is connected to the upper connector 300, and the ice blade 200 is connected to the lower connector 400; the sensor 500 is located between and connected to both the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400, and is used to acquire and transmit the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400. This ice skate may include, but is not limited to, roller skates and inline skates.

[0063] The following describes each step:

[0064] For step S100, a three-dimensional force sensor can be used to acquire the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400 of the ice skate. It is understood that this type of sensor 500 can acquire both the horizontal shear force and the vertical normal force between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400. This simplifies the structure and reduces the weight of the ice skate, ensuring that it does not interfere with the athlete's normal wearing.

[0065] Regarding step S200, such as Figure 2 As shown, let the mass of the part above the mechanical sensor 500 be M, the mass of the sensor 500 together with the ice skate 200 and the lower connecting part 400 below the sensor 500 be m, the acceleration of the athlete wearing the device during free skating be a, the frictional force of the ice surface on the athlete and the ice skate be f, and the horizontal shear force measured by the sensor 500 be F, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 2As shown. Using Newton's second and third laws, F' = Ma, fF = ma, and F = F', we can obtain F = f - ma = Ma. Since m (approximately 3 kg) is much smaller than M (approximately 70 kg), ma can be ignored. Therefore, we can approximate the shear force measured by sensor 500 as equal to the frictional force between the ice and the skate, i.e., F ≈ f. Then, dividing F directly by the normal force FN measured by sensor 500 yields the coefficient of friction between the skate and the ice surface. If the acceleration is kept constant and known during the experiment using a ramp, or if the acceleration is directly measured, the coefficient of friction can be obtained more accurately.

[0066] The method for determining the friction coefficient of the ice skate described above can obtain the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400 through the sensor 500 connected between the upper connector 300 and the lower connector 400. Then, the friction coefficient between the ice skate and the ice surface can be calculated based on the horizontal shear force and the vertical normal force. This solves the technical problem that existing testing instruments cannot measure the friction coefficient between the ice skate and the ice surface during dynamic processes. At the same time, the ice skate also has the characteristics of simple structure, compactness and ease of wearing.

[0067] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0068] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ice skate, characterized in that, The ice skate includes: a skate body (100), an ice blade (200), an upper connector (300), a lower connector (400), and a sensor (500); The shoe body (100) is connected to the upper connector (300), and the ice skate (200) is connected to the lower connector (400); The sensor (500) is located between the upper connector (300) and the lower connector (400) and is connected to the upper connector (300) and the lower connector (400). The sensor (500) is used to acquire and transmit the horizontal shear force and the vertical normal force between the upper connector (300) and the lower connector (400). The coefficient of friction between the ice skate and the ice surface during skating is determined by dividing the horizontal shear force by the vertical normal force. The lower connector (400) is a plate-shaped structure and protrudes toward the ice blade (200) to form a receiving cavity (400b), in which the sensor (500) is installed.

2. The ice skates according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor (500) is a three-dimensional force sensor.

3. The ice skates according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor (500) is connected to the upper connector (300) via a first threaded part, and the sensor (500) is connected to the lower connector (400) via a second threaded part.

4. The ice skate according to claim 3, characterized in that, A spring washer (600) is provided between the sensor (500) and the upper connector (300), and the first threaded part passes through the spring washer (600).

5. The ice skate according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper connector (300) has a plurality of first mounting holes (300a), the first mounting holes (300a) being located above the middle of the sensor (500) and used to allow the first threaded part to pass through; The lower connector (400) has a plurality of second mounting holes (400a), which are located below the periphery of the sensor (500) and are used to allow the second threaded part to pass through.

6. The ice skates according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the first mounting hole (300a) and the second mounting hole (400a) are evenly distributed circumferentially.

7. The ice skates according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, There is a wiring gap (400c) between the upper connector (300) and the lower connector (400), and the wiring gap (400c) communicates with the receiving cavity (400b).

8. The ice skates according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The diameter of the middle part of the upper connector (300) is greater than the width of the front and rear ends, and the diameter of the middle part of the lower connector (400) is greater than the width of the front and rear ends. The sensor (500) is connected to the middle part of the upper connector (300) and the middle part of the lower connector (400).

9. A method for determining the coefficient of friction of ice skates, characterized in that, The method for determining the coefficient of friction of the ice skates according to any one of claims 1 to 8 includes: Using the sensor (500) of the ice skate, the horizontal shear force and vertical normal force between the upper connector (300) and the lower connector (400) of the ice skate are obtained; The coefficient of friction between the ice skate and the ice surface is calculated by dividing the horizontal shear force by the vertical normal force.

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