Interchangeable Blade Skate with Parallel T-Section Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice skates with single blades pose stability and balance challenges for inexperienced skaters, leading to insecurity and risk of injury, and existing accessories like double-bladed skates with strap attachments are not safe or durable, limiting participation in ice skating by children, elderly, and parents.
Innovation Solution
A footwear item-skate with multiple interchangeable metal blades arranged in a parallel series at a low height, featuring a resistant synthetic sole with channels and preformed metal plates, allowing for flexible blade attachment and removal via retractable bolts, providing enhanced stability and adaptability for different skating levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single blade is used in conventional ice skates, then sliding speed and turning efficiency are maximised, but stability and balance are compromised for inexperienced skaters
Solution Approach 1:
The single blade is segmented into multiple parallel blades (typically 3-5 blades) that are distributed across the width of the foot. This segmentation provides multiple contact points with the ice surface, creating a broader base of support while maintaining the sliding function of each individual blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a one-dimensional single blade contact to a two-dimensional array of multiple parallel blades. This dimensional expansion distributes the skater's weight across a wider area, improving stability in the lateral direction while preserving forward motion capability.
2Ease of operation
If strap-based double bladed bases are used to improve stability, then ease of attachment is maintained, but safety and durability deteriorate due to loose straps causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The strap-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a permanent attachment mechanism that integrates the blade assembly directly to the footwear. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues of loose straps while maintaining ease of use through a secure, tool-free attachment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly is merged with the footwear structure through a unified attachment mechanism, creating an integrated system where the blades become a permanent part of the skate. This merging eliminates the separation and potential loosening that occurs with detachable strap-based systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple interchangeable blades are arranged in parallel, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to interchangeable blade mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is segmented into multiple independent, interchangeable blades that can be individually attached or removed. Each blade is a separate component with a standardized attachment interface, simplifying the overall mechanism while providing stability through the parallel arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in blade configuration (number of blades, spacing, orientation) to optimize stability for different skill levels and skating conditions, while the standardized attachment mechanism keeps the device complexity manageable.
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Footwear item-skate with multiple interchangeable blades for ice and skating rinks, of the type of footwear items made up by a boot (1) made of a sole (2) comprising a first plurality of channels (3a) and a second plurality of channels (3b) aligned with and parallel to each other, arranged in a "T" section in the area of the sole and in the area of the heel, with at least one small recess (11) transversal to each area; a first and a second preformed metal plate (5a, 5b) comprising a series of first and second guides (6a, 6b), arranged in a "T" section and in a similar number to the plurality of channels (3a, 3b) of the area of the sole and of the area of the heel of the sole, each of them attaching to the guides by means of a transversal small bushing (12) housing a retractable bolt (7) with a retainer, and a set of metal blades in a "T" section, of two different lengths (8) and (9).