Ice Skate Blade Bottomed Vee Profile Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice skate blade profiles are limited by their circular, concave shape, restricting the range of edge angles and depths, which compromises both turning ability and glide speed, and alternative profiles either provide poor performance or are impractical.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a 'bottomed vee' profile with varying edge angles and the option of relief pockets or an elliptical cross-section, allowing for greater customization of edge angles and depths to enhance skating performance across different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a circular, concave blade profile is used, then the blade can be manufactured with a standard grinding process, but the range of edge angles and depths is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the blade profile from a circular arc to a polynomial curve defined by multiple coefficients. This allows independent control of edge angle, depth, and curvature radius, enabling a wide range of profile variations while maintaining manufacturability through computer-controlled grinding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable and customizable blade profiles that can be dynamically selected based on skating application requirements. The polynomial equation with multiple coefficients allows the profile to be adapted for different skating styles (hockey, figure skating, speed skating) and performance needs, transforming the static circular profile into a dynamic, customizable geometry.
2Ease of operation
If smaller radius is used in circular profile, then turning ability is improved, but glide speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The polynomial profile allows independent optimization of turning radius and glide characteristics through separate coefficients. The edge angle coefficient controls turning ability while the depth and curvature coefficients control glide speed, enabling simultaneous optimization of both parameters rather than the fixed trade-off in circular profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric characteristics to different portions of the blade profile. The polynomial equation allows the curvature and edge angle to vary along the length of the blade, enabling sections optimized for turning near the toe/heel and sections optimized for glide in the middle portion, thus achieving both turning ability and glide speed.
3Speed
If larger radius is used in circular profile, then glide speed is improved, but turning ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The polynomial profile with multiple coefficients allows the blade to have a larger overall radius for glide speed while incorporating localized variations in edge angle and curvature to maintain turning ability. The independent coefficients enable the profile to exhibit different effective radii at different locations along the blade.
4Adaptability or versatility
If alternative blade profiles with irregular angled edges are used, then edge angle variation is improved, but turning ability and glide speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a smooth polynomial curve rather than irregular angled edges. The continuous curvature of the polynomial profile maintains optimal contact with the ice surface, ensuring good turning ability and glide speed, while still providing the desired variation in edge angles through the mathematical formulation of the curve.
Data Source
AI summary
An ice skate blade for an ice skate comprising a length adapted to be attached to the ice skate and an ice engaging surface adapted to contact ice, a profile extending along at least a portion of the length, the profile having a width between a first side edge and a second side edge. At least one of the side edges ends at a bottom end at the ice engaging surface, a vee is defined by one of the side edges and a flat meeting at the bottom end, wherein a first acute edge angle is formed between the one of the side edges and the flat, and a flat angle is formed between the one of the side edges and a bottom, wherein the bottom has a distance which extends from the flat to either a second flat or a second one of the side edges.