Adjustable Hockey Skate Runner Assembly with Dovetail Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hockey skate technology lacks flexibility and adjustability, limiting the ability to customize the angle and position of the skate blade relative to the boot, which can affect performance and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A multi-degree of freedom ice skate post arrangement that connects the skate blade to the boot, featuring adjustable elements such as a pronate/supinate platform, bi-directional locking dovetail module, and side/side dovetail module, allowing for independent adjustments in pronation, supination, fore/aft, and side-to-side movements, as well as vertical adjustments, to optimize blade positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed blade-to-boot connection is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adjustability and customization capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into multiple independent adjustment modules: a fore/aft adjustment mechanism that allows the blade to move forward or backward relative to the boot, and a lateral adjustment mechanism that allows side-to-side positioning. Each module operates independently, enabling customized blade positioning without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure transitions from a fixed static design to a dynamic adjustable system. The blade assembly can be repositioned along the fore/aft axis and laterally adjusted, allowing the configuration to adapt to different playing styles and foot anatomies while maintaining structural integrity through locked positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added, then the customization capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions are integrated into a unified mounting structure. The fore/aft adjustment mechanism and lateral adjustment mechanism are combined within a single boot mounting assembly, sharing common reference surfaces and locking systems. This merging reduces the total number of separate components compared to implementing each adjustment function as an independent mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fore/aft positioning, lateral positioning, angular adjustment for blade orientation, and secure attachment to the boot. A single integrated assembly performs all these functions, eliminating the need for separate adjustment devices for each degree of freedom.
3Ease of manufacture
If a unitary skate runner structure is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the stress distribution may be concentrated
Solution Approach 1:
The skate runner features a non-uniform cross-sectional geometry with varying width along its length. The top region has a narrower width while the bottom region has a wider width, creating a tapered profile that optimizes both structural performance and stress distribution. This local variation in geometry allows the structure to better accommodate applied loads without requiring complex reinforcement features.
Solution Approach 2:
A stress relieving radius is incorporated at the transition zone between the top region and bottom region of the skate runner. This curved transition eliminates sharp corners and abrupt geometric changes, distributing stresses more evenly across the structure and preventing stress concentration that would occur with sharp transitions in a unitary design.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-degree of freedom ice skate post that connects an ice skate blade to the sole of an ice-skating boot generally comprises a plurality of adjustable elements that include a pronate/supinate platform, a bi-directional module and a side/side module. In some configurations, the pronate/supinate platform is configured to move the ice skate blade in a pronate and supinate direction. In some configurations the pronate supinate platform is connected with the bi-directional module providing movement of the ice skate blade in the fore and aft position. In some configurations the side/side module is connected with the bi-directional module providing movement in a side by side direction. Additional configurations can include vertical adjustments as well.