In-line Skate Braking Device Using Spring-Loaded Balls
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-line skates lack an effective braking mechanism that allows users to smoothly slow and stop while turning, similar to ice skating, without requiring hand use or adding complexity, which is essential for safety and enjoyment, especially for hockey players.
Innovation Solution
A braking device that generates force based on lateral tilt, using spring-loaded balls to create friction when the skate is tilted, allowing for adjustable and replaceable components to customize braking force and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a brake pad is used on the aft end of the frame to stop forward motion, then braking force is generated through friction, but the device cannot slow or stop a user when boots are moving laterally during turning
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into multiple independent ball elements (at least two balls) positioned at different locations on the frame. Each ball can independently contact the ground to provide braking force, allowing the system to handle both forward motion and lateral turning movements through distributed contact points rather than a single pad location
Solution Approach 2:
The braking mechanism transitions from a single-plane pad-to-ground contact to a multi-dimensional system where balls can contact the ground at various angles and positions. The balls are arranged to engage with the ground surface from different spatial orientations, enabling braking force generation during both forward skating and lateral turning movements
2Ease of operation
If the user tilts the toe upwardly to place the brake pad in contact with the ground, then forward motion is stopped, but the user must shift body weight rearwardly which causes awkward posture and potential over-rotation injury
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system operates automatically through the natural lateral tilting motion that users already perform during normal skating and turning. The balls are positioned and biased to engage the ground when the frame tilts laterally, eliminating the need for deliberate weight-shifting actions and allowing the braking mechanism to serve itself through routine user movements
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded balls provide a biasing force that ensures ground contact during lateral tilting, but the system is designed so that normal skating tilts generate sufficient braking force without requiring extreme or excessive body movements. The partial engagement of balls during natural turning motions provides adequate braking while avoiding the harmful effects of forced rearward weight shifting
3Reliability
If handbrakes are used to contact the wheel and reduce forward velocity, then braking is provided, but both hands are required which makes the system unusable for floor or roller hockey players who need both hands for the hockey stick
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is completely hands-free and operates automatically through the lateral tilting motion inherent in normal skating and turning. The spring-loaded balls are positioned and biased to engage the ground when the frame tilts, requiring no manual activation and allowing hockey players to maintain full control of their sticks while braking is provided through natural body movements
Solution Approach 2:
The braking function is extracted from the hands and integrated directly into the skate frame structure. The balls are mounted on the frame itself rather than requiring handheld components, separating the braking mechanism from any hand-operated elements and embedding it within the skate's structural framework
4Reliability
If disc brakes with a mechanism above the ankle are used requiring rearward tilting to actuate, then braking is provided, but the same drawbacks of over-rotation and potential injury occur
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is divided into multiple independent ball elements distributed on the frame rather than a single complex mechanism above the ankle. Each ball operates independently with its own spring bias, simplifying the overall structure by replacing a centralized complex mechanism with distributed simple elements
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to actively tilt rearwardly to engage a mechanism above the ankle, the system inverts the approach by positioning balls on the lower frame that automatically engage the ground during natural lateral tilting. The braking action results from the frame tilting onto the balls rather than the balls being actuated by a mechanism above the ankle
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
Enables users to simulate ice-skating braking by applying force proportional to the degree of turn, enhancing safety and enjoyment by providing a realistic and intuitive braking experience without requiring hand use or added complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The ball may rotate within the housing or fixed relative thereto. As the ball rotates or is forced into the housing, a frictional force is generated that creates a braking force
Implementation Method 2
A braking device that generates braking force dependant on degree of lateral tilt or change in orientation... using spring-loaded balls to create friction when the skate is tilted
Data Source
AI summary
A braking device is provided for an in-line skate where the braking device selectively alters the motion of the in-line skate depending upon the angulation of the in-line skate relative to a surface. As a user angulates or tilts the in-line skate, the braking device increasingly engages the surface to provide a braking force to alter the motion of the in-line skate.