Removable Off-Ice Training Blade with Non-Cutting Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ice skate blades with sharp edges cause destruction to non-ice training surfaces, and existing solutions either compromise the feel of the blade or are costly to implement, making it challenging to replicate on-ice training experiences off-ice without damaging the surface.
Innovation Solution
A removable off-ice training blade with non-cutting axial edges, designed for use in convertible ice skates, which can be attached to existing skate blade holders using a releasable retention mechanism, providing a convex or rounded tread surface to prevent damage to training surfaces while maintaining the geometry necessary for effective training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sharp ice skate blades are used on non-ice training surfaces, then the skating geometry and training effectiveness are maintained, but the training surface is damaged through cutting and scratching
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is segmented into two distinct types: on-ice blades with sharp edges for ice skating, and off-ice training blades with rounded edges for non-ice surfaces. The skate system is divided to accommodate both blade types through a removable blade holder mechanism, allowing athletes to switch between blade types based on the training environment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the blade design have different qualities: on-ice blades have sharp axial edges and concave bottom surfaces optimized for ice cutting, while off-ice training blades have rounded axial edges and flat or slightly convex bottom surfaces optimized for non-ice surfaces. Each blade type is locally optimized for its specific use case.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blade covers are added to protect the training surface, then surface damage is prevented, but the blade geometry is altered and the real-life feel is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a cover layer over the blade, the invention uses an intermediary off-ice training blade that naturally has protective rounded edges. This intermediary blade serves as a mediator between the skate holder and the training surface, providing surface protection without requiring additional cover materials that would alter blade geometry.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the training surface is covered with hard rubber material to protect it, then blade damage to surface is prevented, but the cost of surface conversion becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The off-ice training blade creates a copy of the essential blade geometry and function needed for training, but with modified edge characteristics suitable for non-ice surfaces. This copied blade design replicates the training experience while being inherently protective of the training surface, eliminating the need for expensive surface material conversions.
4Ease of repair
If removable blade holders are used to allow blade interchangeability, then blade maintenance and sharpening become easier, but the retention mechanism and holder are damaged by repeated use and blade removal
Solution Approach 1:
The off-ice training blade is designed as a disposable or limited-life component that absorbs the wear and tear of repeated installation and removal. By making the training blade less expensive and shorter-lived than permanent on-ice blades, the system protects the valuable removable holder mechanism from damage, allowing the holder to be reused with multiple on-ice blades over time.
Data Source
AI summary
A removeable off-ice training blade for use in a convertible ice skate on a non-ice training surface. The blade has an upper retention surface shaped to engage the interior of a blade-holding groove and retention mechanism of the skate and has a lower tread to engage the non-ice training surface. Two side surfaces extend substantially perpendicularly from the lower tread to meet the upper retention surface. The tread surface comprises reflective non-cutting axial edges, to negate any destruction of the non-ice training surface during use of the blade. Certain embodiments of the training blade will include a tread surface that is wider than the upper retention surface, achieved with multiple lower profiles and cross-sections of the blade. Insofar as the training blade will not permit on-ice skating use, it can be removed from the skate for replacement with an ice blade having cutting edges. A skate incorporating the blade, and a related exercise method, are also disclosed.