Modular Skate Riser with Quick-Release Blade Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hockey skate technology lacks efficient mechanisms for quickly and easily swapping out ice-skate blades with different configurations, such as varying lengths, materials, or flexibility, limiting performance customization.
Innovation Solution
A skate riser system with a quick release shaft and static offset capability, allowing for easy detachment and attachment of skate runners to the boot sole through a quick release mechanism, enabling rapid blade swaps and customizable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fixed skate blade technology is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but blade swapping speed and performance customization capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The skate assembly is divided into separable components: the blade runner, the riser assembly, and the boot adapter. This segmentation allows the blade to be quickly detached and replaced without affecting the boot structure, enabling fast blade swapping while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic quick-release system. The release mechanism allows the blade runner to be rapidly detached and reattached, providing dynamic adaptability for blade swapping while using simple mechanical components that do not significantly increase overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple blade configurations are supported, then performance customization is improved, but attachment mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The riser assembly and attachment mechanism are designed with universal features that accommodate multiple blade configurations. The same basic attachment structure can secure different blade types (varying lengths, materials, flexibilities) without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, achieving versatility through standardized interface design
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in blade specifications (length, material, flexibility) while maintaining a constant simple attachment mechanism. The quick-release system handles all parameter variations through the same basic interface, avoiding complexity increases despite supporting diverse blade configurations
3Ease of operation
If quick release mechanism is implemented, then blade swapping ease is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanism is designed to be self-operating without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures. The mechanical release system can be actuated directly by the user through simple manual operation, improving ease of blade swapping while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through self-contained mechanical design
Data Source
AI summary
A skate riser as described herein can include adjustable offset capability or static offset capability. In the case of risers with static offset capability, presented herein are various skate riser systems that generally have a skate riser defined between a boot adapter mount end and a skate runner mount end, wherein the skate riser is not adjustable. The skate riser system further comprises a boot adapter mount that is connected to the boot adapter mount end. The boot adapter mount is configured to connect to a boot sole of a skate boot. A quick release shaft extends into a riser aperture in the riser between the ends. The quick release shaft comprises a key that retains a skate runner mount to the riser when in a first position/orientation but not when in a second position/orientation. Advantages of the static offset skate riser includes the ability to quickly swap out a blade with one configuration with a blade having a different configuration or simply just swapping out a blade.