Monocoque Figure Skating Boot with Relief Junctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional figure skating boots experience undesirable stress and strain due to localized impact forces during jumps, and the upper material's stiffness causes discomfort as it gradually flexes over time.
Innovation Solution
A figure skating boot with a monocoque structure incorporating a separately formed heel member and relief junctions, made from structural monocoque material, which allows for even distribution of impact forces and flexibility without the need for extensive breaking-in.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional construction with wooden or leather sole member and separate heel structure is used, then the boot provides basic support structure, but localized impact forces cause undesirable stress and strain on the foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sole member, heel structure, and upper into a single monocoque shell structure. This integration allows impact forces to be distributed across the entire boot structure rather than concentrated at specific mounting points, eliminating the harmful localized stress and strain on the foot while maintaining structural support.
2Strength
If the upper is formed of uniform material with constant stiffness, then sufficient supporting structure is provided, but flexing requires extended use causing discomfort during breaking-in
Solution Approach 1:
The monocoque shell structure incorporates varying material properties and structural characteristics at different locations. The shell provides constant structural support while allowing controlled flexing in specific areas, eliminating the need for extended breaking-in periods and discomfort associated with uniform stiff materials.
3Strength
If heel member is separately formed and incorporated into monocoque structure, then impact forces are distributed more evenly, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the heel member is separately formed, it is integrated into the monocoque shell structure through merging principles. The heel member becomes an integral part of the unified shell structure, distributing impact forces evenly without creating excessive complexity, as the separate formation allows for optimized heel-specific functionality within the overall integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A figure skating boot has a monocoque structure formed of monocoque material including a sole portion to receive the foot thereon, inner and outer side wall portions, a heel cup portion about the heel, two ankle portions extending over the ankles, and front and rear mounting surfaces below the sole portion for connection to front and rear ends of a mounting frame, for example the mounting frame of a skate blade. A heel member is formed separately from the boot and is supported by the monocoque material to extend downwardly from the heel end of the sole portion so that the rear mounting surface is at the bottom of the heel member. Each ankle portion is joined to the respective side wall portion by a relief junction enabling the ankle portions of the monocoque structure to be flexed relative to the side wall portions of the monocoque structure.