Configurable Modular Skate Blade Assembly for Multi-Axis Impact Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Figure skaters experience a high frequency of chronic overuse injuries due to repeated landing impacts during on-ice jumps, as existing ice-skating blades lack effective damping systems that can accommodate the dynamic nature of ground reaction forces.
Innovation Solution
A configurable modular damping ice-skating blade assembly with a frame and blade runner that allows for two or one degree of freedom damping configurations, utilizing removable blade runners and damping units between protruding arms to dynamically interact with ground reaction forces, providing adjustable impact damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid blade construction is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but impact damping capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is divided into separate components: a rigid frame providing structural strength, a removable blade runner for cutting edges, and independent damping units. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
Damping units are pre-installed within the frame structure between the blade runner and frame body, positioned to absorb impact forces before they reach the rigid components. This beforehand cushioning protects the rigid structure from impact damage while maintaining its strength.
2Device complexity
If a single-axis damping configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but damping effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The damping units are designed to dynamically respond to multi-directional impact forces through controlled movement within the frame. The blade runner can move relative to the frame along multiple axes, allowing the damping system to adapt to varying impact directions and magnitudes during skating maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping units act as intermediary elements between the blade runner and the rigid frame, mediating the transmission of impact forces. These intermediaries absorb and dissipate energy from impacts coming from different directions, protecting the rigid structure while maintaining damping effectiveness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the blade runner is rigidly fixed to the frame, then structural stability is improved, but impact force absorption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blade runner is made a separate removable component from the frame, allowing independent optimization of each part. The rigid frame provides structural stability while the blade runner can be designed with features for better impact absorption and can be replaced or adjusted as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Damping units are pre-positioned within the frame structure to cushion impacts before they are transmitted to the rigid components. This beforehand cushioning allows the blade runner to be less rigidly connected to the frame, improving impact force absorption while maintaining overall structural stability.
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 assembly effectively reduces landing impact forces by allowing the blade runner to move in multiple axes relative to the frame, enhancing impact damping and reducing the risk of injuries, while maintaining a rigid construction option without damping.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible damping unit (50) to reduce landing impact loads
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a configurable modular damping ice-skating blade assembly including a frame with a blade runner extending along a longitudinal axis and being removably mounted in relation to the frame. The modular damping ice-skating blade assembly is configurable with the use of modified blade runners so as to allow one or more configurations for damping the frame in relation to the blade runner.