Multilayer Hockey Blade Grip Structure With Low-Weight Anti-Slip Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hockey stick and blade surface treatments fail to provide adequate anti-slip properties, leading to poor puck or ball control, and result in additional weight that disrupts the balance and performance of the stick, with existing solutions being either temporary, prone to damage, or not thermally resistant.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer anti-slip compact structure comprising a backing carrier with a plastic film or fibre/net structure and an adhesive layer, combined with a third resin layer containing coarsening grains, which is thermally resistant and water-repellent, allowing for easy application and removal without leaving residues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If textile tape is used to treat the smooth surface of hockey stick, then coarseness is improved, but the tape has short life span and is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a textile substrate impregnated with thermoplastic polymer material. This composite combines the coarseness-providing texture of textile with the durability and strength of thermoplastic polymer, creating a surface treatment that maintains both anti-slip properties and extended service life.
2Strength
If rubber patch with spikes is placed on blade, then coarseness is improved, but the patch is thicker and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a thin film structure where thermoplastic polymer material is impregnated into the textile substrate. This thin-film approach provides the necessary coarseness and structural integrity without the excessive thickness and weight associated with traditional rubber patches with spikes.
3Strength
If traditional textile tape is applied, then coarseness is provided, but it catches snow and ice and absorbs water
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes the material parameter of the textile substrate by impregnating it with thermoplastic polymer material. This parameter change transforms the hydrophilic textile into a hydrophobic composite that repels water, snow, and ice while maintaining the coarseness necessary for puck control.
4Strength
If adhesive layer with firm particles is applied, then coarseness is improved, but additional weight increases and disrupts balance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the coarseness function and the adhesive function into a single integrated layer. The thermoplastic polymer-impregnated textile substrate itself provides both the coarseness for puck control and the adhesive bonding to the hockey stick surface, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers with firm particles.
5Weight of moving object
If smooth surface treatment is used, then weight is reduced, but puck or ball control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a coarsened surface layer only on the blade surface where puck contact occurs. The thermoplastic polymer-impregnated textile provides localized coarseness and grip exactly where needed for puck control, while the overall stick weight remains minimized since only the blade surface is treated.
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 improved puck control, durability, and resistance to mechanical damage while maintaining a lightweight and thin design, enhancing handling and shooting accuracy by over 10% and minimizing water absorption.
Implementation Method 1
using an adhesive layer
Implementation Method 2
water-repellent
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer anti-slip compact structure for individual/joint application on a forehand and/or a backhand side of a hockey stick blade, which contains a backing carrier (A) and an anti-slip layer (B) applied on said backing carrier (A), wherein the backing carrier (A) contains a first layer with thickness max. 0.3 mm and tensile strength min. 400 N and weight max. 130 g/m2; on the first layer, a second resin or glue layer (3) with thickness max. 0.1 mm containing polyurethane, polyacrylate, organic resin or suitable polymer, or their combination; and the anti-slip layer (B) is formed by a third resin layer (5) with content of epoxide and/or phenol or polymer with thickness max. 0.1 mm and weight max. 250 g/m2. The first layer of the backing carrier (A) is formed by a plastic film (1) from a polymer or a fibre/net structure (2) from fibres containing cotton, viscose, glass fibres, plastic fibres, polyester fibres, or their combination.