Layered Ice Skate Boot Structure for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hockey skate technology lacks innovations in improving the hockey blade and runner, leaving room for enhancements in performance and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered boot arrangement for ice skates comprising an outer boot shell with impact absorbing, thermo-moldable, and foot contact layers, along with adjustable multi-degree of freedom skate posts and variable stiffness blades, enhancing the skate's flexibility and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional single-layer boot shell is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but impact absorption and comfort are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The boot sidewall is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer boot shell layer, an impact absorbing layer, and a foot contact layer. Each layer performs a specific function, with the impact absorbing layer positioned between the outer shell and foot contact layer to absorb impact forces while maintaining overall boot structure integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot sidewall employs composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties: rigid outer shell material for structural integrity, compliant impact absorbing material for shock attenuation, and soft foot contact material for comfort. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple material functions into a single integrated boot wall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed rigidity boot structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different skating conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The boot incorporates adjustable rigidity elements that allow the boot to transition between flexible and rigid states based on skating conditions. This enables the boot to adapt to different ice conditions, skating styles, and player preferences without requiring multiple different boot designs, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through a single adjustable system.
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 performance and comfort by absorbing impact, allowing for customizable fit and flexibility, thereby enhancing the skating experience.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the sidewalls generally comprises an impact absorbing layer, a thermo-moldable layer and a foot contact layer
Implementation Method 2
the thermo-moldable layer is interposed between the impact absorbing layer and the foot contact layer
Data Source
AI summary
An ice skate boot as described herein can include a boot that is generally defined by an outer boot shell that includes a boot sole, a heal region, a toe box, and sidewalls between the toe box and the heal region. The sidewalls extend from the boot sole to a boot collar and tongue gap. Each of the sidewalls generally comprises an impact absorbing layer, a thermo-moldable layer and a foot contact layer, wherein the foot contact layer configured to interface a human foot. The impact absorbing layer is interposed between the outer boot shell and the thermo-moldable layer, the thermo-moldable layer is interposed between the impact absorbing layer and the foot contact layer. The thermo-moldable layer and the impact absorbing layer are incorporated in the heal region and extending at least to the toe box.