Skate Blade System with Dynamic Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current skate designs face limitations in mechanical strength and weight reduction, leading to increased costs and joint damage due to inefficient energy transfer and impact absorption, while struggling to optimize material usage and maintain performance.
Innovation Solution
A skate blade system with dynamic movement that stores and reuses energy through mechanical mechanisms such as spring systems, cantilever beams, and cross flexure joints to enhance propulsion and absorb impacts, reducing joint damage and fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If skate weight is reduced by using lighter materials, then skating speed is improved, but mechanical strength and structural reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The skate blade assembly uses composite construction combining blade housing material with spring mechanism materials to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The housing can be made from lightweight yet strong materials while incorporating energy storage springs that provide both structural support and functional energy return, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and mechanical strength maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements through spring mechanisms (compression springs, extension springs, or torsion springs) that allow the blade assembly to flex and store/release energy during skating. This dynamic structure replaces rigid heavy components with flexible lightweight spring systems that maintain structural integrity while reducing overall weight and improving skating speed.
2Loss of energy
If energy is transferred directly through rigid connections, then structural simplicity is maintained, but energy loss through joints and impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful impact energy that would normally be lost through joints and transmitted to the user's body into beneficial stored energy. The spring mechanisms capture this impact energy during compression and release it during the push-off phase, transforming energy loss into propulsive force that enhances skating efficiency and reduces joint stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as an intermediary between the blade and the user's foot, mediating the energy transfer. Instead of direct rigid connection, the spring serves as a flexible intermediary that absorbs, stores, and releases energy, reducing energy loss through joints while managing the complexity through a well-defined mechanical interface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If impact energy is fully absorbed by the skate system, then joint damage is reduced, but propulsive force generation is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the timing and magnitude parameters of energy release from the spring mechanism. During impact absorption, the spring compresses to reduce peak forces on joints. During the subsequent push-off phase, the spring releases stored energy at optimized rates to generate propulsive force. This parameter control allows the same mechanism to serve dual functions of protection and propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism operates in periodic cycles of compression during impact and expansion during propulsion. This periodic action allows the system to alternately absorb impact energy to protect joints and release stored energy to generate propulsive force, achieving both injury reduction and performance enhancement through rhythmic energy management.
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 system improves skating speed and reduces joint damage by increasing energy efficiency and impact absorption, maintaining safety and reliability while requiring minimal maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism (80) which allows the profile of the blade portion (14) to deflect and store mechanical energy when loaded
Implementation Method 2
the profile of the blade portion (14) to deflect and store mechanical energy when loaded
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed at a skate blade system including a boot portion; a blade housing, mounted to a bottom of the boot portion; and a blade portion having a heel and a toe end; wherein the blade portion is fastened at the heel end to the blade housing in a fixed relationship and is unattached from the blade portion blade housing at the toe end.