Roller Skate Brake Trigger Mechanism Prevents Involuntary Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller skate braking systems are prone to untimely and involuntary braking, compromising user stability and balance, especially when skating on uneven surfaces or due to involuntary leg movements.
Innovation Solution
A roller skate design featuring a trigger device with a connecting rod and pivotally mounted locking elements that allow controlled engagement and disengagement of the braking system, ensuring the braking element only comes into contact with the wheels under intentional user pressure, thus preventing forward imbalance and maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a braking system with a movable rear part and fixed part is used, then the braking system can be activated by user pressure, but untimely and involuntary braking occurs when the user presses on the rear of the plate or when skating on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A trigger device acts as an intermediary between the user's pressing action and the braking system activation. The trigger device includes a locking element that must be deliberately actuated to release the brake, preventing involuntary braking while maintaining ease of intentional activation
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system is designed with a preliminary locking mechanism that prevents the movable part from approaching the fixed part unless the trigger device is actively disengaged. This preliminary anti-action counteracts any involuntary pressing forces or surface irregularities that might cause unintended braking
2Productivity
If the movable part can pivot relative to the fixed part for braking, then braking functionality is achieved, but the system becomes sensitive to track deformations and bumpy surfaces causing involuntary braking
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger device serves as a mediator that filters out harmful vibrations and forces from track deformations. The locking element remains engaged unless a deliberate triggering action occurs, isolating the braking mechanism from external disturbances
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a spring element that provides beforehand cushioning against involuntary movement. The spring maintains the locking element in its engaged position, cushioning against minor vibrations and track irregularities that could otherwise cause premature braking
3Ease of operation
If a rod with articulated parts is used to actuate the braking system, then the braking system can be controlled by leg movement, but the user may tip forward due to uncontrolled leg movement
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger device acts as an intermediary control mechanism between the user's leg movement and the braking system. Instead of direct rod actuation that can cause instability, the trigger device provides a stable, deliberate activation point that maintains user balance while enabling brake control
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 effectively prevents untimely braking and enhances user stability by allowing the braking system to engage only when intended, leveraging the user's weight and inertia for controlled braking, thereby reducing the risk of falls and improving skating performance.
Implementation Method 1
The trigger part consists of two locking elements, one upper and the other lower, mounted in a pivot connection relative to each other
Implementation Method 2
The connecting rod is mounted in pivot connection on the one hand at one of its ends with the actuating device and on the other hand at the other of its ends with the trigger part
Implementation Method 3
leveraging the user's weight and inertia for controlled braking
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a roller skate (1) comprising a frame (3), at least two rolling systems (5, 7) and a brake system (9). The frame comprises a plate (11) on which the in-line rolling systems are mounted, and a foot clamp (13). The brake system (9) comprises a brake element (21). The plate (11) has two parts, of which the fixed one (25) takes the brake element (21), and the movable one (27) takes at least one of the rolling systems (5, 7) arranged under the brake element (21) in order to contact the latter and slow it when the movable plate (27) moves towards the fixed part (25). The roller skate comprises a brake system (9) actuator device (28) mounted on the frame (3) in order to be controlled typically by the foot or leg of the user, said brake system (9) comprising a trigger device (29) able to be activated by the action of the actuator device (28) so as to move from a plate (11) locking position during skating, to a plate (11) releasing position during braking, allowing shortening of the distance between the fixed (25) and movable (27) parts.