Clap Skate Forefoot Support Pivot Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clap skates experience inefficiencies due to the interaction between the blade's double wave form and the ice, which hinders forward sliding movement and reduces skating efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The clap skate features a forefoot support with a fixed connection to the frame that extends entirely in front of the pivot, eliminating any fixed connections behind the pivot, thereby reducing the interaction with the ice and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the forefoot support has a fixed connection extending behind the pivot, then the structure provides stability and support, but the blade creates a double wave form that increases harmful interaction with the ice, reducing skating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The forefoot support is segmented into two distinct parts: a fixed connection part that extends only to the pivot location, and a movable part that pivots about the pivot point. This segmentation allows the fixed connection to provide stability while the movable part eliminates the double wave formation by decoupling the rear portion from the ice interaction, thereby reducing harmful blade-ice interaction while maintaining structural support.
2Productivity
If the forefoot support is fixed to the frame extending behind the pivot, then structural stability is maintained, but the stroke length is limited due to inefficient blade-ice interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The forefoot support transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic structure with a pivot mechanism. The movable part can pivot about the pivot point, allowing the blade to maintain optimal contact with the ice throughout a longer stroke duration. This dynamic adaptation enables the blade to follow the ice surface more effectively, extending the productive phase of the skating stroke and improving overall skating speed.
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
This design enhances the skating efficiency and speed, particularly noticeable in high-performance skaters, by minimizing the blade's interaction with the ice, thus allowing for a more extended stroke and improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
A spring mechanism tending to cause the forefoot support to return into the normal position comprises a U-shaped spring wire
Implementation Method 2
The forefoot support is pivotally connected to the front part of a skate frame about a transverse pivot pin, so as to allow said forefoot support with the skating shoe thereon to tilt about the pivot pin
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a clap skate (1) comprising a blade (4) having a rockering, a frame (3), holding the blade (4) in its bottomside and comprising, on its topside, a heel support (5) for the heel portion of a skating shoe (2) or bracket (8) and a forefoot support (6) connected to a front part of a skating shoe (2) or a bracket (8) via a pivot (7). The forefoot support (6) provides a fixed connection to the frame (3), which fixed connection extends in front of the pivot (7) and at the most 5 mm behind the pivot (7).