Composite Hockey Skate Boot with Segmented Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hockey skate boots constructed from rigid materials restrict movement due to lack of flexibility, especially in the upper regions, and are difficult to attach design elements to, limiting design options and motion execution.
Innovation Solution
A composite boot design with a rigid lower portion and a thermoformable upper portion made of materials like low density polyethylene, allowing fiber angles to be adjusted for varying stiffness across different sizes, enabling equal flexibility and facilitating attachment of skate components via stitching or fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid materials are used for the entire boot construction, then protection against impacts is improved, but flexibility and movement capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is divided into distinct regions with different rigidity levels. The lower boot portion uses rigid composite materials for protection, while the upper boot portion uses softer, more flexible materials for movement. This segmentation allows each region to independently fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials with different mechanical properties are applied to different locations of the boot. The lower portion near the ice receives rigid protective materials, while the upper portions near the ankle and calf receive softer, more flexible materials. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between protection and flexibility.
2Strength
If rigid composite materials are used throughout the boot, then structural strength is improved, but ability to attach design elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boot construction is segmented into rigid lower portions and softer upper portions. The softer upper portions serve as attachment zones where design elements like quarters, tongues, and lacing systems can be easily stitched or fastened, while the rigid lower portions maintain structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The softer upper boot materials act as an intermediary between the rigid composite structure and the design elements that need to be attached. This intermediate layer provides a suitable substrate for attachment while connecting to the rigid structure below.
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 design provides enhanced flexibility and durability by equalizing stiffness across sizes, allowing for better motion execution and easier attachment of skate components, improving both performance and design versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The upper portion may be made of a thermoformable material that conforms to the shape of a wearer's foot and ankle
Data Source
AI summary
A hockey skate includes a composite boot form having a rigid lower portion and a less rigid upper portion. The upper portion may be made of a thermoformable material that conforms to the shape of a wearer's foot and ankle. The construction of the boot form—particularly the lower portion of the boot form—may be varied across different size ranges by, for example, varying the fiber angles in the composite material. Varying the stiffness of the lower portion of the boot form in this manner allows the flexibility of different sized boots to be substantially equalized. A skate quarter and other skate-boot features may readily be attached to the upper portion of the boot form via stitching, rivets, or other connectors. The boot form also may include an integral toe cap having a flange or other element to which the skate tongue and other elements may be connected.