Hockey puck having low friction resistance

Abstract

An ice hockey puck with reduced frictional resistance is provided. The ice hockey puck includes a cylindrical puck shell, propellers, a drive assembly, and a control unit. A receiving cavity is formed in the puck shell, and grating openings communicating with the receiving cavity are provided on both end faces of the puck shell. The propellers and the drive assembly are both disposed within the receiving cavity. A rotation of the propellers generates an airflow directed toward one of the end faces. The drive assembly is drivingly connected to the propellers to rotate the propellers. The drive assembly includes fixedly mounted motors for providing power. The control unit is fixedly disposed within the receiving cavity and includes a battery and a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the motors, and the battery is electrically connected to both the motors and the controller to supply power.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of sports equipment, specifically to an ice hockey puck with reduced frictional resistance.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.

[0002] Ice hockey is a team sport played on ice, in which players wear ice skates and use hockey sticks to compete. To score, players perform actions such as striking, stickhandling, and directing a puck into a goal using their hockey sticks. A standard ice hockey puck used in competitions is cylindrical, with a thickness of 25 mm, a diameter of 76 mm, and a weight ranging from 156 g to 170 g.

[0003] To increase training opportunities, practice is sometimes conducted on relatively smooth, hard surfaces such as wooden floors. However, when existing ice hockey pucks slide on the hard surfaces, the frictional force exerted by the hard surfaces is substantially higher than that on ice, making it difficult to accurately simulate ice sliding behavior and thereby impairing training effectiveness.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present application aims to provide an ice hockey puck with reduced frictional resistance, thereby decreasing the frictional resistance between the ice hockey puck and a surface on which it moves.

[0005] The ice hockey puck with reduced frictional resistance includes a cylindrical puck shell, propellers, a drive assembly, and a control unit. A receiving cavity is formed in the puck shell, and grating openings communicating with the receiving cavity are provided on both end faces of the puck shell. The propellers and the drive assembly are both disposed within the receiving cavity. A rotation of the propellers generates an airflow directed toward one of the end faces. The drive assembly is drivingly connected to the propellers to rotate the propellers. The drive assembly includes fixedly disposed motors for providing power. The control unit is fixedly disposed within the receiving cavity. The control unit includes a battery and a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the motors, and the battery is connected to the motors and the controller to supply power.

[0006] Furthermore, the control unit further includes a gyroscope sensor configured to detect a flipping angle of the ice hockey puck. The gyroscope sensor is in signal communication with the controller, and the battery is connected to the gyroscope sensor to supply power.

[0007] Furthermore, the receiving cavity is cylindrical, and an axis of the receiving cavity is coaxial with an axis of the puck shell. An even number of propellers are provided and arranged to form at least one propeller pair. When the drive assembly drives the propellers to rotate, propellers of the at least one propeller pair rotate in opposite directions to cancel out rotational inertia and generate airflow in a same direction.

[0008] Furthermore, the control unit includes a housing base. The controller, the battery, and the gyroscope sensor are disposed on the housing base, and an axis of the control unit is coaxial with the axis of the puck shell.

[0009] Furthermore, multiple connecting rods are provided in the receiving cavity of the puck shell. Two ends of each of the connecting rods are fixedly connected to the puck shell and the control unit, respectively. In one embodiment of the present application, two motors are provided and are fixedly mounted on upper and lower surfaces of the housing base. Output shafts of the two motors are coaxial. Two propellers are provided and are respectively disposed on the output shafts of the two motors.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, four propellers are provided to form two propeller pairs. The propellers in each of the propeller pairs are symmetrical about the axis of the puck shell and disposed at a same height along the axis of the puck shell. The propellers of different propeller pairs are disposed at different heights along the axis of the puck shell.

[0011] Furthermore, the four propellers are circumferentially evenly distributed around an inner circumference of the puck shell. Four motors are provided, and the four propellers are disposed on output shafts of the four motors.

[0012] Furthermore, output shafts of the motors are perpendicular to axes of the propellers. A first bevel gear is fixedly disposed on each of the output shafts of the motors. A second bevel is coaxially provided on the propeller and is meshed with the first bevel gear on the corresponding one of the motors.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, two propellers are provided and are disposed near upper and lower sides of the receiving cavity. The motors are fixed to a side wall of the receiving cavity and located between the two propellers. The control unit is disposed between the two propellers. Multiple connecting rods are provided between the control unit and the side wall of the receiving cavity, and two ends of each of the connecting rods are fixedly connected to the side wall of the receiving cavity and the control unit, respectively.

[0014] Furthermore, the grating openings on the end faces of the puck shell are evenly distributed along a circumferential direction of the puck shell.

[0015] As described above, the ice hockey puck of the present application has the following beneficial effects.

[0016] The ice hockey puck of the present application is provided with the puck shell, the propeller, the drive assembly, and the control unit. During use, a bottom face of the ice hockey puck is placed on ground, and the drive assembly is controlled via the control unit to rotate the propeller in a predetermined direction. The propeller generates an airflow directed toward the end face on a bottom side of the puck shell, thereby producing lift to reduce contact pressure between the ice hockey puck and the ground. As a result, the frictional resistance is reduced and can be adjusted to approximate that of an existing ice hockey puck on ice. The ice hockey puck of the present application can effectively reduce frictional resistance between the ice hockey puck and the ground, and is applicable to surfaces rougher than ice, such as wooden floors, thereby enabling hockey-related training to be flexibly conducted on various types of surfaces rather than being limited to ice.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice hockey puck according to Embodiment 1 of the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the ice hockey puck according to Embodiment 1 of the present application after removing a puck shell. FIG. 3 is a top view of the ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a front view of the ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice hockey puck according to Embodiment 2 of the present application. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the ice hockey puck according to Embodiment 2 of the present application after removing a puck shell. FIG. 7 is a top view of the ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a front view of the ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice hockey puck according to Embodiment 3 of the present application. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the ice hockey puck according to Embodiment 3 of the present application after removing a puck shell. FIG. 11 is a top view of the ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a right view of the ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 10. Reference numerals

[0018] 1Puck shell 11Side panel 12End panel 13Grating opening 2Propeller 3Motor 4Control unit 5Connecting rod 6First bevel gear 7Second bevel gear DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The specific embodiments are described below to illustrate the implementation of the present application, and people skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0020] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. shown in the accompanying drawings are only intended to complement the content disclosed in the specification for the understanding and reading by those familiar with the technology, and they are not conditions to limit the implementation of the present application. Any modification of the structure, change in proportion, or adjustment of size, as long as they do not compromise the effectiveness and purpose of this application, should still be considered within the scope of the technical contents disclosed in the present application. In addition, terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "middle", "a" and the like used in this specification are for ease of description only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. Any changes or adjustments to the relative relationships of the components, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of implementations of the present application.

[0021] Referring to FIGs. 1-12, the present application provides an ice hockey puck with reduced frictional resistance. The ice hockey puck includes a cylindrical puck shell 1, propellers 2, a drive assembly, and a control unit 4. A receiving cavity is formed in the puck shell 1, and grating openings 13 communicating with the receiving cavity are provided on both end faces of the puck shell 1. The propellers 2 and the drive assembly are both disposed within the receiving cavity, and a rotation of the propellers 2 generates an airflow directed toward one of the end faces. The propellers 2 may be arranged parallel to the end faces of the puck shell 1, i.e., a rotational axis of the propellers 2 is oriented along an axis of the ice hockey puck. Alternatively, an inclined angle may be formed between each of the propellers 2 and the corresponding end face of the puck shell 1. The drive assembly is drivingly connected to the propellers 2 to rotate the propellers 2. The drive assembly includes fixedly disposed motors 3 for providing power. The control unit 4 is fixedly disposed within the receiving cavity. The control unit 4 includes a battery and a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the motors 3, and the battery is connected to the motors 3 and the controller for power supply.

[0022] The ice hockey puck of the present application can be used on various smooth surfaces, such as wooden floors. During use, a bottom face of the ice hockey puck is placed on ground, and the drive assembly is controlled via the control unit to rotate each propeller 2 in a predetermined direction. The propellers 2 generate an airflow directed toward the end face on a bottom side of the puck shell 1, thereby producing lift to reduce contact pressure between the ice hockey puck and the ground. As a result, the frictional resistance is reduced and can be adjusted to approximate that of an existing ice hockey puck on ice. The ice hockey puck of the present application can effectively reduce frictional resistance between the ice hockey puck and the ground, and is applicable to surfaces rougher than ice, such as wooden floors, as well as directly to ice surfaces, thereby enabling hockey-related training to be flexibly conducted on various types of surfaces rather than being limited to ice.

[0023] Referring to FIGs. 1-12, the present application will be further described below with reference to several preferred embodiments.Embodiment 1

[0024] FIGs. 1-4 illustrate schematic structural diagrams of an ice hockey puck in Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, referring to FIG. 1, as a preferred design, a puck shell 1 includes a cylindrical side panel 11 and circular end panels 12 fixed to upper and lower ends of the side panel 11. A cylindrical receiving cavity is formed between the end panels 12 and the side panel 11. An axis of the receiving cavity is coaxial with that of the puck shell 1. Each of the end panels 12 is provided with grating openings 13. Preferably, the grating openings 13 are circumferentially evenly distributed on each of the end panels 12. Specifically, the grating openings 13 on each of the end panels 12 are circumferentially arranged to form multiple concentric circles from the center toward the edge, with each of the concentric circles including multiple grating openings 13, thereby allowing airflow passing through the grating openings 13 to be more uniform and stable.

[0025] In Embodiment 1, as a preferred design, the control unit 4 further includes a gyroscope sensor for detecting a flipping angle of the ice hockey puck. The gyroscope sensor is in signal communication with a controller and powered by a battery. During puck motion, the gyroscope sensor can monitor the flipping angle of the ice hockey puck in real time, i.e., a tilt angle of a bottom face of the ice hockey puck relative to a ground, thereby determining whether the ice hockey puck has flipped. An appropriate angle A can be set. When the tilt angle of the ice hockey puck relative to the ground is below the angle A, it indicates that the ice hockey puck is only slightly tilted. When the tilt angle exceeds the angle A, it indicates that the ice hockey puck is significantly tilted, in which case the controller stops the drive assembly according to a signal from the gyroscope sensor, causing motors 3 to cease operation. Upon the tilt angle returns below angle A, the motors 3 are restarted. When the gyroscope sensor detects that the ice hockey puck has flipped, i.e., the bottom face of the ice hockey puck originally facing downward has turned upward, the controller can reverse the rotation of the motors 3 in the drive assembly according to the signal from the gyroscope sensor, so that the generated airflow remains directed downward, thereby producing lift and ensuring that the ice hockey puck continues to operate normally after flipping.

[0026] In Embodiment 1, referring to FIGs. 2, 3, and 4, as a preferred design, two propellers 2 are provided to form a propeller pair. Preferably, the two propellers 2 have a same size and are parallel to the end faces of the puck shell 1. When the drive assembly rotates the propellers 2, the two propellers 2 rotate in opposite directions to cancel out rotational inertia and generate airflow in a same direction, thereby improving the stability of the ice hockey puck.

[0027] In Embodiment 1, the control unit 4 includes a housing base. The controller, the battery, and the gyroscope sensor are disposed on the housing base and integrated as a single unit. This arrangement results in a more compact structure, facilitates control of an overall center of gravity, and simplifies installation of the control unit 4 within the inner cavity. The control unit 4 is positioned along the axis of the puck shell 1 and has a cylindrical shape. An overall mass of the control unit is distributed as evenly as possible to ensure that the center of gravity lies on an axis of the control unit 4. During installation, the axis of the control unit 4 is coaxial with that of the puck shell 1, thereby further ensuring a uniform overall mass distribution of the ice hockey puck.

[0028] In Embodiment 1, referring to FIGs. 2, 3, and 4, the receiving cavity of the puck shell 1 is provided with multiple connecting rods 5. Two ends of each of the connecting rods 5 are fixedly connected to the puck shell 1 and the control unit 4, securing the control unit 4 at a central position of the receiving cavity. The connecting rods 5 are arranged circumferentially around the puck shell 1, thereby ensuring stable installation of the control unit 4. In Embodiment 1, the propellers 2 are directly driven by the motors 3. Two motors 3 are provided. The two motors 3 are fixedly connected to upper and lower surfaces of the housing base, with output shafts of the two motors 3 coaxial. The propellers 2 are disposed on the output shafts of the two motors 3, each positioned near one of the two end panels 12 of the puck shell 1. When the controller drives the two motors 3, the two motors 3 rotate in opposite directions at all times. The two propellers 2 are coaxially arranged and rotate in opposite directions to cancel out rotational inertia.Embodiment 2

[0029] FIGs. 5-8 illustrate schematic structural diagrams of an ice hockey puck in Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, four propellers 2 are provided to form two propeller pairs. Preferably, the propellers 2 have a same size and are parallel to end faces of the puck shell 1. In each propeller pair, the two propellers 2 are symmetrical about the axis of the puck shell 1, so that when the two propellers 2 rotate in opposite directions at a same speed, their rotational inertia can cancel each other out. In Embodiment 2, the two propellers 2 in each propeller pair are positioned at a same height along the axis of the puck shell 1. The propellers 2 of different propeller pairs are located at different heights along the axis, each positioned near one of the two end panels 12 of the puck shell 1, thereby facilitating the structural layout within the cavity.

[0030] In Embodiment 2, four propellers 2 are circumferentially evenly distributed around an inner circumference of the puck shell 1 and are directly driven by four motors 3. The four propellers 2 are disposed on output shafts of the four motors 3. The motors 3 are vertically fixed to the end panels 12 of the puck shell 1. The four motors 3 are circumferentially evenly distributed around the inner circumference of the puck shell 1. Therefore, the stability of the ice hockey puck is further enhanced.

[0031] In Embodiment 2, the structure of the puck shell 1 is the same as that in Embodiment 1 and is therefore not described in detail. The structure of the control unit 4 is also substantially the same as that in Embodiment 1, except that the upper and lower ends of the control unit 4 are directly fixed to the two end panels 12 of the puck shell 1, achieving a stable and reliable installation.Embodiment 3

[0032] FIGs. 9-12 illustrate schematic structural diagrams of an ice hockey puck in Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, the structure of the puck shell 1 is the same as that in Embodiment 1 and is therefore not described in detail. The structure and installation of the control unit 4 are also the same as in Embodiment 1, with the control unit 4 fixed at the central position of the receiving cavity by multiple connecting rods 5.

[0033] In Embodiment 3, two propellers 2 are provided to form a propeller pair. Preferably, the two propellers 2 have a same size and are parallel to the end faces of the puck shell 1. When the drive assembly rotates the propellers 2, the two propellers 2 rotate in opposite directions to cancel out rotational inertia and generate airflow in a same direction, thereby improving the stability of the ice hockey puck. In Embodiment 3, referring to FIGs. 10, 11, and 12, the two propellers 2 are independently driven by two motors 3. The motors 3 are arranged laterally within the receiving cavity. Output shafts of the motors 3 are perpendicular to axes of the propellers 2. A respective first bevel gear 6 is fixedly connected to each of the output shafts of the motors 3. A respective second bevel gear 7 is coaxially provided on each of the propellers 2. The first bevel gear 6 is meshed with the corresponding second bevel gear 7. When the motors 3 rotate, the propellers 2 are driven to rotate through the transmission between the first and second bevel gears 6,7. The motors 3 are laterally arranged to facilitate their installation within the receiving cavity.

[0034] To further facilitate installation and layout, the two propellers 2 are disposed near the two end panels 12 of the puck shell 1. The motors 3 are fixed to the side panel 11 and located between the two propellers 2. The control unit 4 is also disposed between the two propellers 2, and the propellers 2 are rotatably disposed on a housing base of the control unit 4. Alternatively, the propellers 2 can be rotatably disposed on the end panels 12 of the puck shell 1.

[0035] The puck shell 1 of the present application is made of a material with considerable hardness and strength, such as aluminum alloy or rubber. The size and overall weight of the ice hockey puck are determined according to the standards for a regulation game puck. By properly arranging the propellers 2, the drive assembly, and the control unit 4 within the receiving cavity, the ice hockey puck can be maintained in overall balance, with its center of gravity located along an axis of the ice hockey puck.

[0036] In the present application, the controller and the gyroscope sensor are conventional devices. The gyroscope sensor can detect changes in the orientation of the ice hockey puck relative to the ground, thereby enabling real-time monitoring of the flipping angle of the ice hockey puck. The controller is configured to receive signals, perform computations, and send control commands. The controller can receive signals from the gyroscope sensor and control the rotation of the motors 3.

[0037] In the present application, the ice hockey puck may further be provided with a switch for controlling start / stop and speed of the motors. The switch is disposed on the side panel 11 of the puck shell 1 and does not protrude from a surface of the side panel 11, so as to facilitate operation without affecting contact between the puck and a hockey stick. Of course, if the receiving cavity of the puck shell 1 provides sufficient space, the controller may be selected to receive wireless signals, such that control signals from a remote controller can be used to control the start / stop and speed of the motors.

[0038] The ice hockey puck of the present application requires that the propellers 2, the motors 3, and the control unit 4 be installed with sufficient stability so that the ice hockey puck can withstand a certain level of impact, making it suitable for dribbling, shooting, and other training, particularly dribbling practice.

[0039] From the above, it can be seen that the ice hockey puck of the present application possesses the following technical features and effects. 1. The propellers 2 generate lift to reduce the frictional resistance between the ice hockey puck and the ground. As a result, the ice hockey puck experiences frictional resistance comparable to that on ice across various surfaces, enabling movement similar to that on ice and facilitating ice hockey training. 2. The gyroscope sensor is provided on the ice hockey puck to enable real-time monitoring of the ice hockey puck's status, thereby ensuring normal operation even if the ice hockey puck flips during motion.

[0040] In summary, the present application effectively overcomes various drawbacks of the prior art and possesses significant industrial applicability.

[0041] The embodiments described above serve merely as illustrative examples of the principles and effects of the present application, and are not intended to serve as limitations on the present application. Persons skilled in the art may modify or alter these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Accordingly, all equivalent modifications or alterations accomplished by persons having ordinary knowledge in the art without departing from the spirit and technical ideas disclosed herein shall still be covered by the claims of the present application.

Examples

embodiment 1

[0024]FIGs. 1-4 illustrate schematic structural diagrams of an ice hockey puck in Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, referring to FIG. 1, as a preferred design, a puck shell 1 includes a cylindrical side panel 11 and circular end panels 12 fixed to upper and lower ends of the side panel 11. A cylindrical receiving cavity is formed between the end panels 12 and the side panel 11. An axis of the receiving cavity is coaxial with that of the puck shell 1. Each of the end panels 12 is provided with grating openings 13. Preferably, the grating openings 13 are circumferentially evenly distributed on each of the end panels 12. Specifically, the grating openings 13 on each of the end panels 12 are circumferentially arranged to form multiple concentric circles from the center toward the edge, with each of the concentric circles including multiple grating openings 13, thereby allowing airflow passing through the grating openings 13 to be more uniform and stable.

[0025]In Embodiment 1, as a preferre...

embodiment 2

[0029]FIGs. 5-8 illustrate schematic structural diagrams of an ice hockey puck in Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, four propellers 2 are provided to form two propeller pairs. Preferably, the propellers 2 have a same size and are parallel to end faces of the puck shell 1. In each propeller pair, the two propellers 2 are symmetrical about the axis of the puck shell 1, so that when the two propellers 2 rotate in opposite directions at a same speed, their rotational inertia can cancel each other out. In Embodiment 2, the two propellers 2 in each propeller pair are positioned at a same height along the axis of the puck shell 1. The propellers 2 of different propeller pairs are located at different heights along the axis, each positioned near one of the two end panels 12 of the puck shell 1, thereby facilitating the structural layout within the cavity.

[0030]In Embodiment 2, four propellers 2 are circumferentially evenly distributed around an inner circumference of the puck shell 1 and are d...

embodiment 3

[0032]FIGs. 9-12 illustrate schematic structural diagrams of an ice hockey puck in Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, the structure of the puck shell 1 is the same as that in Embodiment 1 and is therefore not described in detail. The structure and installation of the control unit 4 are also the same as in Embodiment 1, with the control unit 4 fixed at the central position of the receiving cavity by multiple connecting rods 5.

[0033]In Embodiment 3, two propellers 2 are provided to form a propeller pair. Preferably, the two propellers 2 have a same size and are parallel to the end faces of the puck shell 1. When the drive assembly rotates the propellers 2, the two propellers 2 rotate in opposite directions to cancel out rotational inertia and generate airflow in a same direction, thereby improving the stability of the ice hockey puck. In Embodiment 3, referring to FIGs. 10, 11, and 12, the two propellers 2 are independently driven by two motors 3. The motors 3 are arranged laterally withi...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of sports equipment, specifically to an ice hockey puck with reduced frictional resistance.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.

[0002] Ice hockey is a team sport played on ice, in which players wear ice skates and use hockey sticks to compete. To score, players perform actions such as striking, stickhandling, and directing a puck into a goal using their hockey sticks. A standard ice hockey puck used in competitions is cylindrical, with a thickness of 25 mm, a diameter of 76 mm, and a weight ranging from 156 g to 170 g.

[0003] To increase training opportunities, practice is sometimes conducted on relatively smooth, hard surfaces such as wooden floors. However, when existing ice hockey pucks slide on the hard surfaces, the frictional force exerted by the hard surfaces is substantially higher than that on ice, making it difficult to accurately simulate ice sliding behavior and thereby impairing training effectiveness.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present application aims to provide an ice hockey puck with reduced frictional resistance, thereby decreasing the frictional resistance between the ice hockey puck and a surface on which it moves.

[0005] The ice hockey puck with reduced frictional resistance includes a cylindrical puck shell, propellers, a drive assembly, and a control unit. A receiving cavity is formed in the puck shell, and grating openings communicating with the receiving cavity are provided on both end faces of the puck shell. The propellers and the drive assembly are both disposed within the receiving cavity. A rotation of the propellers generates an airflow directed toward one of the end faces. The drive assembly is drivingly connected to the propellers to rotate the propellers. The drive assembly includes fixedly disposed motors for providing power. The control unit is fixedly disposed within the receiving cavity. The control unit includes a battery and a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the motors, and the battery is connected to the motors and the controller to supply power.

[0006] Furthermore, the control unit further includes a gyroscope sensor configured to detect a flipping angle of the ice hockey puck. The gyroscope sensor is in signal communication with the controller, and the battery is connected to the gyroscope sensor to supply power.

[0007] Furthermore, the receiving cavity is cylindrical, and an axis of the receiving cavity is coaxial with an axis of the puck shell. An even number of propellers are provided and arranged to form at least one propeller pair. When the drive assembly drives the propellers to rotate, propellers of the at least one propeller pair rotate in opposite directions to cancel out rotational inertia and generate airflow in a same direction.

[0008] Furthermore, the control unit includes a housing base. The controller, the battery, and the gyroscope sensor are disposed on the housing base, and an axis of the control unit is coaxial with the axis of the puck shell.

[0009] Furthermore, multiple connecting rods are provided in the receiving cavity of the puck shell. Two ends of each of the connecting rods are fixedly connected to the puck shell and the control unit, respectively. In one embodiment of the present application, two motors are provided and are fixedly mounted on upper and lower surfaces of the housing base. Output shafts of the two motors are coaxial. Two propellers are provided and are respectively disposed on the output shafts of the two motors.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, four propellers are provided to form two propeller pairs. The propellers in each of the propeller pairs are symmetrical about the axis of the puck shell and disposed at a same height along the axis of the puck shell. The propellers of different propeller pairs are disposed at different heights along the axis of the puck shell.

[0011] Furthermore, the four propellers are circumferentially evenly distributed around an inner circumference of the puck shell. Four motors are provided, and the four propellers are disposed on output shafts of the four motors.

[0012] Furthermore, output shafts of the motors are perpendicular to axes of the propellers. A first bevel gear is fixedly disposed on each of the output shafts of the motors. A second bevel is coaxially provided on the propeller and is meshed with the first bevel gear on the corresponding one of the motors.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, two propellers are provided and are disposed near upper and lower sides of the receiving cavity. The motors are fixed to a side wall of the receiving cavity and located between the two propellers. The control unit is disposed between the two propellers. Multiple connecting rods are provided between the control unit and the side wall of the receiving cavity, and two ends of each of the connecting rods are fixedly connected to the side wall of the receiving cavity and the control unit, respectively.

[0014] Furthermore, the grating openings on the end faces of the puck shell are evenly distributed along a circumferential direction of the puck shell.

[0015] As described above, the ice hockey puck of the present application has the following beneficial effects.

[0016] The ice hockey puck of the present application is provided with the puck shell, the propeller, the drive assembly, and the control unit. During use, a bottom face of the ice hockey puck is placed on ground, and the drive assembly is controlled via the control unit to rotate the propeller in a predetermined direction. The propeller generates an airflow directed toward the end face on a bottom side of the puck shell, thereby producing lift to reduce contact pressure between the ice hockey puck and the ground. As a result, the frictional resistance is reduced and can be adjusted to approximate that of an existing ice hockey puck on ice. The ice hockey puck of the present application can effectively reduce frictional resistance between the ice hockey puck and the ground, and is applicable to surfaces rougher than ice, such as wooden floors, thereby enabling hockey-related training to be flexibly conducted on various types of surfaces rather than being limited to ice.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice hockey puck according to Embodiment 1 of the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the ice hockey puck according to Embodiment 1 of the present application after removing a puck shell. FIG. 3 is a top view of the ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a front view of the ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice hockey puck according to Embodiment 2 of the present application. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the ice hockey puck according to Embodiment 2 of the present application after removing a puck shell. FIG. 7 is a top view of the ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a front view of the ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice hockey puck according to Embodiment 3 of the present application. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the ice hockey puck according to Embodiment 3 of the present application after removing a puck shell. FIG. 11 is a top view of the ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a right view of the ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 10. Reference numerals

[0018] 1Puck shell 11Side panel 12End panel 13Grating opening 2Propeller 3Motor 4Control unit 5Connecting rod 6First bevel gear 7Second bevel gear DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The specific embodiments are described below to illustrate the implementation of the present application, and people skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0020] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. shown in the accompanying drawings are only intended to complement the content disclosed in the specification for the understanding and reading by those familiar with the technology, and they are not conditions to limit the implementation of the present application. Any modification of the structure, change in proportion, or adjustment of size, as long as they do not compromise the effectiveness and purpose of this application, should still be considered within the scope of the technical contents disclosed in the present application. In addition, terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "middle", "a" and the like used in this specification are for ease of description only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. Any changes or adjustments to the relative relationships of the components, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of implementations of the present application.

[0021] Referring to FIGs. 1-12, the present application provides an ice hockey puck with reduced frictional resistance. The ice hockey puck includes a cylindrical puck shell 1, propellers 2, a drive assembly, and a control unit 4. A receiving cavity is formed in the puck shell 1, and grating openings 13 communicating with the receiving cavity are provided on both end faces of the puck shell 1. The propellers 2 and the drive assembly are both disposed within the receiving cavity, and a rotation of the propellers 2 generates an airflow directed toward one of the end faces. The propellers 2 may be arranged parallel to the end faces of the puck shell 1, i.e., a rotational axis of the propellers 2 is oriented along an axis of the ice hockey puck. Alternatively, an inclined angle may be formed between each of the propellers 2 and the corresponding end face of the puck shell 1. The drive assembly is drivingly connected to the propellers 2 to rotate the propellers 2. The drive assembly includes fixedly disposed motors 3 for providing power. The control unit 4 is fixedly disposed within the receiving cavity. The control unit 4 includes a battery and a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the motors 3, and the battery is connected to the motors 3 and the controller for power supply.

[0022] The ice hockey puck of the present application can be used on various smooth surfaces, such as wooden floors. During use, a bottom face of the ice hockey puck is placed on ground, and the drive assembly is controlled via the control unit to rotate each propeller 2 in a predetermined direction. The propellers 2 generate an airflow directed toward the end face on a bottom side of the puck shell 1, thereby producing lift to reduce contact pressure between the ice hockey puck and the ground. As a result, the frictional resistance is reduced and can be adjusted to approximate that of an existing ice hockey puck on ice. The ice hockey puck of the present application can effectively reduce frictional resistance between the ice hockey puck and the ground, and is applicable to surfaces rougher than ice, such as wooden floors, as well as directly to ice surfaces, thereby enabling hockey-related training to be flexibly conducted on various types of surfaces rather than being limited to ice.

[0023] Referring to FIGs. 1-12, the present application will be further described below with reference to several preferred embodiments.Embodiment 1

[0024] FIGs. 1-4 illustrate schematic structural diagrams of an ice hockey puck in Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, referring to FIG. 1, as a preferred design, a puck shell 1 includes a cylindrical side panel 11 and circular end panels 12 fixed to upper and lower ends of the side panel 11. A cylindrical receiving cavity is formed between the end panels 12 and the side panel 11. An axis of the receiving cavity is coaxial with that of the puck shell 1. Each of the end panels 12 is provided with grating openings 13. Preferably, the grating openings 13 are circumferentially evenly distributed on each of the end panels 12. Specifically, the grating openings 13 on each of the end panels 12 are circumferentially arranged to form multiple concentric circles from the center toward the edge, with each of the concentric circles including multiple grating openings 13, thereby allowing airflow passing through the grating openings 13 to be more uniform and stable.

[0025] In Embodiment 1, as a preferred design, the control unit 4 further includes a gyroscope sensor for detecting a flipping angle of the ice hockey puck. The gyroscope sensor is in signal communication with a controller and powered by a battery. During puck motion, the gyroscope sensor can monitor the flipping angle of the ice hockey puck in real time, i.e., a tilt angle of a bottom face of the ice hockey puck relative to a ground, thereby determining whether the ice hockey puck has flipped. An appropriate angle A can be set. When the tilt angle of the ice hockey puck relative to the ground is below the angle A, it indicates that the ice hockey puck is only slightly tilted. When the tilt angle exceeds the angle A, it indicates that the ice hockey puck is significantly tilted, in which case the controller stops the drive assembly according to a signal from the gyroscope sensor, causing motors 3 to cease operation. Upon the tilt angle returns below angle A, the motors 3 are restarted. When the gyroscope sensor detects that the ice hockey puck has flipped, i.e., the bottom face of the ice hockey puck originally facing downward has turned upward, the controller can reverse the rotation of the motors 3 in the drive assembly according to the signal from the gyroscope sensor, so that the generated airflow remains directed downward, thereby producing lift and ensuring that the ice hockey puck continues to operate normally after flipping.

[0026] In Embodiment 1, referring to FIGs. 2, 3, and 4, as a preferred design, two propellers 2 are provided to form a propeller pair. Preferably, the two propellers 2 have a same size and are parallel to the end faces of the puck shell 1. When the drive assembly rotates the propellers 2, the two propellers 2 rotate in opposite directions to cancel out rotational inertia and generate airflow in a same direction, thereby improving the stability of the ice hockey puck.

[0027] In Embodiment 1, the control unit 4 includes a housing base. The controller, the battery, and the gyroscope sensor are disposed on the housing base and integrated as a single unit. This arrangement results in a more compact structure, facilitates control of an overall center of gravity, and simplifies installation of the control unit 4 within the inner cavity. The control unit 4 is positioned along the axis of the puck shell 1 and has a cylindrical shape. An overall mass of the control unit is distributed as evenly as possible to ensure that the center of gravity lies on an axis of the control unit 4. During installation, the axis of the control unit 4 is coaxial with that of the puck shell 1, thereby further ensuring a uniform overall mass distribution of the ice hockey puck.

[0028] In Embodiment 1, referring to FIGs. 2, 3, and 4, the receiving cavity of the puck shell 1 is provided with multiple connecting rods 5. Two ends of each of the connecting rods 5 are fixedly connected to the puck shell 1 and the control unit 4, securing the control unit 4 at a central position of the receiving cavity. The connecting rods 5 are arranged circumferentially around the puck shell 1, thereby ensuring stable installation of the control unit 4. In Embodiment 1, the propellers 2 are directly driven by the motors 3. Two motors 3 are provided. The two motors 3 are fixedly connected to upper and lower surfaces of the housing base, with output shafts of the two motors 3 coaxial. The propellers 2 are disposed on the output shafts of the two motors 3, each positioned near one of the two end panels 12 of the puck shell 1. When the controller drives the two motors 3, the two motors 3 rotate in opposite directions at all times. The two propellers 2 are coaxially arranged and rotate in opposite directions to cancel out rotational inertia.Embodiment 2

[0029] FIGs. 5-8 illustrate schematic structural diagrams of an ice hockey puck in Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, four propellers 2 are provided to form two propeller pairs. Preferably, the propellers 2 have a same size and are parallel to end faces of the puck shell 1. In each propeller pair, the two propellers 2 are symmetrical about the axis of the puck shell 1, so that when the two propellers 2 rotate in opposite directions at a same speed, their rotational inertia can cancel each other out. In Embodiment 2, the two propellers 2 in each propeller pair are positioned at a same height along the axis of the puck shell 1. The propellers 2 of different propeller pairs are located at different heights along the axis, each positioned near one of the two end panels 12 of the puck shell 1, thereby facilitating the structural layout within the cavity.

[0030] In Embodiment 2, four propellers 2 are circumferentially evenly distributed around an inner circumference of the puck shell 1 and are directly driven by four motors 3. The four propellers 2 are disposed on output shafts of the four motors 3. The motors 3 are vertically fixed to the end panels 12 of the puck shell 1. The four motors 3 are circumferentially evenly distributed around the inner circumference of the puck shell 1. Therefore, the stability of the ice hockey puck is further enhanced.

[0031] In Embodiment 2, the structure of the puck shell 1 is the same as that in Embodiment 1 and is therefore not described in detail. The structure of the control unit 4 is also substantially the same as that in Embodiment 1, except that the upper and lower ends of the control unit 4 are directly fixed to the two end panels 12 of the puck shell 1, achieving a stable and reliable installation.Embodiment 3

[0032] FIGs. 9-12 illustrate schematic structural diagrams of an ice hockey puck in Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, the structure of the puck shell 1 is the same as that in Embodiment 1 and is therefore not described in detail. The structure and installation of the control unit 4 are also the same as in Embodiment 1, with the control unit 4 fixed at the central position of the receiving cavity by multiple connecting rods 5.

[0033] In Embodiment 3, two propellers 2 are provided to form a propeller pair. Preferably, the two propellers 2 have a same size and are parallel to the end faces of the puck shell 1. When the drive assembly rotates the propellers 2, the two propellers 2 rotate in opposite directions to cancel out rotational inertia and generate airflow in a same direction, thereby improving the stability of the ice hockey puck. In Embodiment 3, referring to FIGs. 10, 11, and 12, the two propellers 2 are independently driven by two motors 3. The motors 3 are arranged laterally within the receiving cavity. Output shafts of the motors 3 are perpendicular to axes of the propellers 2. A respective first bevel gear 6 is fixedly connected to each of the output shafts of the motors 3. A respective second bevel gear 7 is coaxially provided on each of the propellers 2. The first bevel gear 6 is meshed with the corresponding second bevel gear 7. When the motors 3 rotate, the propellers 2 are driven to rotate through the transmission between the first and second bevel gears 6,7. The motors 3 are laterally arranged to facilitate their installation within the receiving cavity.

[0034] To further facilitate installation and layout, the two propellers 2 are disposed near the two end panels 12 of the puck shell 1. The motors 3 are fixed to the side panel 11 and located between the two propellers 2. The control unit 4 is also disposed between the two propellers 2, and the propellers 2 are rotatably disposed on a housing base of the control unit 4. Alternatively, the propellers 2 can be rotatably disposed on the end panels 12 of the puck shell 1.

[0035] The puck shell 1 of the present application is made of a material with considerable hardness and strength, such as aluminum alloy or rubber. The size and overall weight of the ice hockey puck are determined according to the standards for a regulation game puck. By properly arranging the propellers 2, the drive assembly, and the control unit 4 within the receiving cavity, the ice hockey puck can be maintained in overall balance, with its center of gravity located along an axis of the ice hockey puck.

[0036] In the present application, the controller and the gyroscope sensor are conventional devices. The gyroscope sensor can detect changes in the orientation of the ice hockey puck relative to the ground, thereby enabling real-time monitoring of the flipping angle of the ice hockey puck. The controller is configured to receive signals, perform computations, and send control commands. The controller can receive signals from the gyroscope sensor and control the rotation of the motors 3.

[0037] In the present application, the ice hockey puck may further be provided with a switch for controlling start / stop and speed of the motors. The switch is disposed on the side panel 11 of the puck shell 1 and does not protrude from a surface of the side panel 11, so as to facilitate operation without affecting contact between the puck and a hockey stick. Of course, if the receiving cavity of the puck shell 1 provides sufficient space, the controller may be selected to receive wireless signals, such that control signals from a remote controller can be used to control the start / stop and speed of the motors.

[0038] The ice hockey puck of the present application requires that the propellers 2, the motors 3, and the control unit 4 be installed with sufficient stability so that the ice hockey puck can withstand a certain level of impact, making it suitable for dribbling, shooting, and other training, particularly dribbling practice.

[0039] From the above, it can be seen that the ice hockey puck of the present application possesses the following technical features and effects. 1. The propellers 2 generate lift to reduce the frictional resistance between the ice hockey puck and the ground. As a result, the ice hockey puck experiences frictional resistance comparable to that on ice across various surfaces, enabling movement similar to that on ice and facilitating ice hockey training. 2. The gyroscope sensor is provided on the ice hockey puck to enable real-time monitoring of the ice hockey puck's status, thereby ensuring normal operation even if the ice hockey puck flips during motion.

[0040] In summary, the present application effectively overcomes various drawbacks of the prior art and possesses significant industrial applicability.

[0041] The embodiments described above serve merely as illustrative examples of the principles and effects of the present application, and are not intended to serve as limitations on the present application. Persons skilled in the art may modify or alter these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Accordingly, all equivalent modifications or alterations accomplished by persons having ordinary knowledge in the art without departing from the spirit and technical ideas disclosed herein shall still be covered by the claims of the present application.

Examples

embodiment 1

[0024]FIGs. 1-4 illustrate schematic structural diagrams of an ice hockey puck in Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, referring to FIG. 1, as a preferred design, a puck shell 1 includes a cylindrical side panel 11 and circular end panels 12 fixed to upper and lower ends of the side panel 11. A cylindrical receiving cavity is formed between the end panels 12 and the side panel 11. An axis of the receiving cavity is coaxial with that of the puck shell 1. Each of the end panels 12 is provided with grating openings 13. Preferably, the grating openings 13 are circumferentially evenly distributed on each of the end panels 12. Specifically, the grating openings 13 on each of the end panels 12 are circumferentially arranged to form multiple concentric circles from the center toward the edge, with each of the concentric circles including multiple grating openings 13, thereby allowing airflow passing through the grating openings 13 to be more uniform and stable.

[0025]In Embodiment 1, as a preferre...

embodiment 2

[0029]FIGs. 5-8 illustrate schematic structural diagrams of an ice hockey puck in Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, four propellers 2 are provided to form two propeller pairs. Preferably, the propellers 2 have a same size and are parallel to end faces of the puck shell 1. In each propeller pair, the two propellers 2 are symmetrical about the axis of the puck shell 1, so that when the two propellers 2 rotate in opposite directions at a same speed, their rotational inertia can cancel each other out. In Embodiment 2, the two propellers 2 in each propeller pair are positioned at a same height along the axis of the puck shell 1. The propellers 2 of different propeller pairs are located at different heights along the axis, each positioned near one of the two end panels 12 of the puck shell 1, thereby facilitating the structural layout within the cavity.

[0030]In Embodiment 2, four propellers 2 are circumferentially evenly distributed around an inner circumference of the puck shell 1 and are d...

embodiment 3

[0032]FIGs. 9-12 illustrate schematic structural diagrams of an ice hockey puck in Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, the structure of the puck shell 1 is the same as that in Embodiment 1 and is therefore not described in detail. The structure and installation of the control unit 4 are also the same as in Embodiment 1, with the control unit 4 fixed at the central position of the receiving cavity by multiple connecting rods 5.

[0033]In Embodiment 3, two propellers 2 are provided to form a propeller pair. Preferably, the two propellers 2 have a same size and are parallel to the end faces of the puck shell 1. When the drive assembly rotates the propellers 2, the two propellers 2 rotate in opposite directions to cancel out rotational inertia and generate airflow in a same direction, thereby improving the stability of the ice hockey puck. In Embodiment 3, referring to FIGs. 10, 11, and 12, the two propellers 2 are independently driven by two motors 3. The motors 3 are arranged laterally withi...

Claims

1. An ice hockey puck with reduced frictional resistance, comprising a cylindrical puck shell (1), propellers (2), a drive assembly, and a control unit (4), wherein a receiving cavity is formed in the puck shell (1), and grating openings (13) communicating with the receiving cavity are provided on both end faces of the puck shell (1), wherein the propellers (2) and the drive assembly are both disposed within the receiving cavity, wherein a rotation of the propellers (2) generates an airflow directed toward one of the end faces, wherein the drive assembly is drivingly connected to the propellers (2) to rotate the propellers (2), and the drive assembly comprises fixedly disposed motors (3) for providing power, wherein the control unit (4) is fixedly disposed within the receiving cavity and comprises a battery and a controller, wherein the controller is operatively connected to the motors (3), and the battery is connected the motors (3) and the controller to supply power.

2. The ice hockey puck according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (4) further comprises a gyroscope sensor configured to detect a flipping angle of the ice hockey puck, wherein the gyroscope sensor is in signal communication with the controller, and the battery is connected to the gyroscope sensor to supply power.

3. The ice hockey puck according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving cavity is cylindrical, and an axis of the receiving cavity is coaxial with an axis of the puck shell (1), wherein an even number of propellers (2) are provided and arranged to form at least one propeller pair, wherein when the drive assembly drives the propellers (2) to rotate, the propellers (2) of the at least one propeller pair rotate in opposite directions to cancel out rotational inertia and generate airflow in a same direction.

4. The ice hockey puck according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (4) comprises a housing base, wherein the controller, the battery, and the gyroscope sensor are disposed on the housing base, and an axis of the control unit (4) is coaxial with the axis of the puck shell (1).

5. The ice hockey puck according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of connecting rods (5) is provided in the receiving cavity of the puck shell (1), wherein two ends of each of the plurality of connecting rods (5) are fixedly connected to the puck shell (1) and the control unit (4), wherein two motors (3) are provided and are fixedly disposed on upper and lower surfaces of the housing base, wherein output shafts of the two motors (3) are coaxial, wherein two propellers (2) are provided and are respectively disposed on the output shafts of the motors (3).

6. The ice hockey puck according to claim 3, wherein four propellers (2) are provided to form two propeller pairs, wherein the propellers (2) in each of the propeller pairs are symmetrical about the axis of the puck shell (1) and disposed at a same height along the axis of the puck shell (1), wherein the propellers (2) of different propeller pairs are disposed at different heights along the axis of the puck shell (1).

7. The ice hockey puck according to claim 6, wherein the four propellers (2) are circumferentially evenly distributed around an inner circumference of the puck shell (1), wherein four motors (3) are provided and the four propellers (2) are disposed on output shafts of the four motors (3).

8. The ice hockey puck according to claim 3, wherein output shafts of the motors (3) are perpendicular to axes of the propellers (2), wherein a first bevel gear (6) is fixedly disposed on each of the output shafts of the motors (3), and a second bevel gear (7) is coaxially provided on each of the propellers (2) and is meshed with the first bevel gear (6) on the corresponding one of the motors (3).

9. The ice hockey puck according to claim 8, wherein two propellers (2) are provided and are disposed near upper and lower sides of the receiving cavity, wherein the motors (3) are fixed to a side wall of the receiving cavity and located between the two propellers (2), wherein the control unit (4) is disposed between the two propellers (2), wherein a plurality of connecting rods (5) is provided between the control unit (4) and the side wall of the receiving cavity, and two ends of each of the plurality of connecting rod (5) are fixedly connected to the side wall of the receiving cavity and the control unit (4), respectively.

10. The ice hockey puck according to claim 1, wherein the grating openings (13) on the end faces of the puck shell (1) are evenly distributed along a circumferential direction of the puck shell (1).

Images