Skate Blade Holder Locking Pin for Rapid Blade Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice skate blade attachment mechanisms are inadequate for rapid and secure replacement of worn or damaged blades, particularly in high-intensity sports like hockey, where quick blade changes are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A skate design featuring a blade holder with a groove and recesses, a locking pin mechanism, and a pin actuator system that allows for easy blade attachment and detachment, secured by a biasing element, ensuring quick and secure blade replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional blade attachment mechanism is used, then the blade can be securely held in the holder, but the blade replacement process is time-consuming and not rapid enough for high-intensity sports
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is segmented into separable components: the blade itself and the holder with independent locking mechanism. The locking pin is a separate component that can be rapidly actuated, allowing the blade to be quickly released and replaced without manipulating complex fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is designed to be displaceable between locked and unlocked positions, creating a dynamic locking system. The spring-loaded actuator enables rapid transition between states, allowing quick blade replacement while maintaining secure attachment during use.
2Reliability
If a simple blade holder design is used, then the structure is easy to manufacture, but the blade attachment security and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded actuator creates a self-biasing locking system where the spring automatically maintains the locking pin in the locked position, providing continuous securing force. The cam surface geometry automatically guides the pin into the locked position, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface acts as an intermediary between the locking pin and the blade, translating the linear displacement of the pin into secure engagement with the blade's cam surface. This intermediate geometric feature simplifies the locking action while ensuring reliable attachment.
3Productivity
If a rapid blade release mechanism is implemented, then blade replacement speed increases, but the risk of accidental release or insufficient locking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded actuator applies preliminary locking force to maintain the pin in the locked position, counteracting any forces that might cause accidental release. The cam surface geometry is designed to prevent premature disengagement by requiring deliberate actuator displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical interaction between the locking pin and cam surface provides tactile feedback to the user, confirming when the blade is securely locked. The spring mechanism provides continuous force feedback, alerting the user if the locking position is compromised.
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
Enables rapid and secure replacement of ice skate blades, enhancing performance by allowing quick changes during games or when sharpening is not possible, improving user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element mounted to the blade holder to react against the pin actuator and biasing the locking pin in the blade locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A skate and a replaceable skate blade are disclosed. The skate includes a boot and a blade assembly with a blade holder and a blade removably mounted to the holder. A locking pin is displaceable relative the blade holder between a blade locking position in which a tip of the locking pin is in engagement with the blade and a blade releasing position in which the tip of the locking pin is disengaged from the blade. A pin actuator is engageable by a user for translating the pin actuator along a longitudinal axis of the locking pin, wherein translation of the pin actuator induces translation of the locking pin along the longitudinal axis from the blade locking position to the blade releasing position. A biasing element reacts against the pin actuator and biasing the locking pin in the blade locking position.