Ball Pick Disc for Inline Figure Skates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cylindrical pick disc on inline figure skates is blunt and lacks the necessary surface area and angle of engagement to enhance performance for jumps, spins, and footwork maneuvers, as it does not provide a solid contact point and protect the skate frame effectively.
Innovation Solution
A ball-shaped pick disc made of molded rubber or synthetic material, designed to fit the PIC inline skate, with a diameter of 40 to 50 mm and slots to secure the frame, allowing 180 degrees of exposure for optimal contact and protection, enhancing grip and rebound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a cylindrical pick disc is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the surface area for engagement with the skating surface is limited and the angle of engagement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by replacing the cylindrical pick disc with a ball-shaped (spherical) pick disc. This curved geometry provides a 180-degree exposure to the skating surface, significantly increasing the engagement area compared to the cylindrical shape. The spherical form allows the pick to contact the surface at various angles, enhancing the skater's ability to execute maneuvers while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a cylindrical pick disc is used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the contact point for maneuvers is not solid and the skate frame is not protected
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical geometry concentrates the contact force at a specific point on the ball's surface, providing a solid contact point for jumps, spins, and footwork maneuvers. The rounded shape naturally distributes stress during engagement, enhancing reliability while the simple spherical form remains easy to manufacture using standard molding or machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball-shaped pick disc is designed to fit within the skate frame structure, with the spherical form nesting into the mounting mechanism. This nested configuration provides protection for the skate frame by allowing the ball to absorb and distribute impact forces, preventing direct transmission to the frame while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a ball-shaped pick disc with 180 degrees exposure is used, then maneuverability and grip are enhanced, but the complexity of securing the pick to the frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball-shaped pick disc serves multiple functions: it provides a solid contact point for maneuvers, offers 180-degree exposure for various skating angles, and protects the skate frame. This multi-functional design enhances adaptability without requiring complex mounting systems, as the spherical form itself accommodates various engagement angles and forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system utilizes a nested configuration where the ball-shaped pick disc fits into a corresponding recess or mounting mechanism in the skate frame. This nested design simplifies the mounting process by allowing the ball to be secured in a single location while maintaining 180-degree exposure, reducing the need for complex fastening mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A specially formed ball shaped disc 40 to 50 mm in diameter to be utilized on the PIC® inline skate, U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,360, to allow for extreme jumps, spins, and footwork moves in the sport of inline figure skating. The ball pick disc is made of molded rubber or synthetic material. The purpose of the ball pick is to provide extreme deep edges for enhanced spins, jumps, and footwork common in the sport of inline figure skating while protecting the skate frame from scraping. The ball shape is slotted to fit around the frame thus protecting the frame from scraping and allows the skater to achieve extremely deep edges. The ball shape provides 180 degrees of surface allowing the skater unlimited toe-in angles. The configuration of the disc allows the ball pick to be reversed to extend wear.