Adjustable Roller Skate Screw-Thread Length Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional adjustable roller skates with telescoping mechanisms are prone to malfunction, requiring improvements in reliability and ease of adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A roller skate featuring an externally threaded shaft, a handle, and an internally threaded member, allowing for adjustable length through clockwise rotation of the handle, which moves the sole and stem along a groove, enabling secure and reliable size adjustments between maximum and minimum settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a telescoping mechanism is used for length adjustment, then the roller skate can be adjusted between sizes, but the adjustment mechanism is prone to malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional telescoping mechanical mechanism with a screw-threading system. The externally threaded shaft engages with the internally threaded member, converting rotational motion of the handle into linear displacement of the toe cap. This threaded mechanism provides more reliable engagement and adjustment control compared to telescoping designs, directly resolving the reliability issue while maintaining size adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex telescoping mechanism with multiple components is used, then length adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases and malfunctions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: an externally threaded shaft, an internally threaded member attached to the toe cap, and a pivotable handle. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining adjustment capability. The modular design reduces complexity compared to integrated telescoping systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded shaft acts as an intermediary element between the handle (input) and the toe cap (output). By introducing this intermediate threaded component, the mechanism translates rotational handle movement into controlled linear displacement of the toe cap, achieving length adjustment through a simple, low-complexity transmission path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the adjustment mechanism requires multiple components and steps, then size adjustment is possible, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adjustment rangeVSAvoidadjustment operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the handle's position and angle during operation. This dynamic characteristic enables users to operate the mechanism more comfortably and apply force more effectively, improving ease of operation while maintaining the full size adjustment range through the threaded shaft's rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a reliable and easy-to-use adjustment mechanism that securely adjusts the roller skate's size between maximum and minimum settings, enhancing user experience and durability.

Implementation Method 1

an externally threaded shaft disposed in both the channel and the recess, and a handle pivotably secured to a rear end of the externally threaded shaft; and a sole including a toe cap, an internally threaded member on an underside of a rear end and threadedly secured to the externally threaded shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded fastening: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS9731188B2Adjustable roller skate

Publication Date: 2017.08.15 YEH CHING HO

AI summary

An adjustable roller skate is provided with a lower frame including a toe stop; a wheel assembly secured to the lower frame; an upper frame including a groove, a trough disposed rearward of the groove, a channel at a rear end, and a seat disposed in the trough and having a recess communicating with the channel; an adjustment mechanism including an externally threaded shaft disposed in both the channel and the recess, and a handle pivotably secured to a rear end of the externally threaded shaft and disposed externally of the upper frame; a sole including a toe cap, an internally threaded member on an underside of a rear end and threadedly secured to the externally threaded shaft, and a stem on the underside and slidably disposed in the groove; and a shoe disposed around an edge of the sole with the toe cap concealed.