Skate Blade Bending Frame With Adjustable Anvils for Repeatable Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skate blade bending devices, such as the Pennington Blade Bender and Zandstra Blade Bender, suffer from premature degradation, instability, and the inability to accommodate various skate blade designs due to insufficient torsional rigidity, angular anvil designs, and inflexible mounting systems.
Innovation Solution
A skate blade bending apparatus featuring a one-piece frame with a pressure exerting means and integrated shape for precise force application, along with longitudinally adjustable restraining locations to secure the blade, allowing for bending without damaging the blade attachment surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing skate blade bending devices are used, then blade bending can be performed, but the devices suffer from premature degradation and instability due to insufficient torsional rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components including a main body, lever arm assembly, anvil assembly, and blade clamp assembly that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and stability during blade bending operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into an integrated system where the lever arm, anvil, and blade clamp work together as a coordinated unit. The main body structure integrates support for all components while providing a stable base, eliminating the instability problems of previous separate or loosely-connected designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If angular anvil designs are used in bending devices, then blade bending is possible, but the devices cannot accommodate various skate blade designs due to inflexible mounting systems
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil assembly is designed to be movable and adjustable along the main body structure, allowing it to be repositioned to accommodate different blade lengths, shapes, and mounting configurations. This dynamic positioning capability enables the same device to work with various skate blade designs without requiring multiple specialized anvils or complex interchangeable mounting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal compatibility features including adjustable blade clamps that can secure different blade types, and a main body structure that accommodates various anvil positions and orientations. This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve multiple blade design configurations, eliminating the need for blade-specific tooling.
3Shape
If pressure is applied to bend the blade, then the blade shape changes, but the blade attachment surface may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blade clamp assembly as an intermediary between the bending force application point and the blade attachment surface. This clamp secures the blade in position and distributes bending forces away from the delicate attachment surface, allowing the blade to be bent into the desired curvature while protecting the mounting area from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies bending pressure at specific localized points along the blade length using adjustable anvils, rather than applying force uniformly across the entire blade. This localized pressure application achieves the necessary shape change in critical areas while leaving the attachment surface and other portions of the blade undamaged.
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 apparatus provides a repeatable, easy, and convenient method to bend skate blades of various shapes and configurations without damage, is easily adjusted and transported, and can accommodate different blade designs without replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure exerting means attached to the frame for exerting bending pressure on a skate blade in a pressure direction generally perpendicular to the blade's longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
the bending pressure exerted by the pressure exerting means to bend the skate blade about the pressure location
Implementation Method 3
a lever arm assembly including a lever arm and a handle, the lever arm assembly allowing for the application of pressure to the pressure location
Implementation Method 4
a blade clamp assembly attached to the frame for securing the skate blade to the frame, the blade clamp assembly preventing movement of the skate blade during the application of pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A skate blade bending apparatus (35) may feature a unitary body (1) with a securement structure (10, 15) which holds a skate blade on its side, parallel to the ground, and a means for exerting downward force (8) on the side of the skate blade. The securement structure may feature movable anvils 15 which will change the imparted radius of curvature imparted upon the blade. Indicia (29) may be utilized to position said anvils (15) to ensure the process is repeatable on different blades. A handle (14) used with the means for exerting downward force (8) may be adjustable. The means for exerting downward force (8) and anvils (15) may be interchangeable with other shapes of similar structures for greater versatility.