Ice Skate Blade Edge Multi-Field Strengthening for Deeper Stress Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ice skate blade edges suffer from poor surface hardness, weak fatigue strength, and poor stress corrosion resistance, with ultrasonic rolling and laser shock peening processes failing to achieve effective coupling strengthening due to depth limitations and asynchronous application.

Innovation Solution

A method involving simultaneous laser shock peening and dual-side opposing ultrasonic rolling on the ice skate blade edge, synchronized by a unified control system, using a rectangular or square laser spot to cover the top surface and chamfer, and adjusting parameters like amplitude, frequency, and laser power to enhance residual compressive stress and hardness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If ultrasonic rolling is applied to strengthen the ice skate blade edge, then surface roughness is improved and grain refinement is achieved, but the strengthening depth is limited to only 0.3mm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface roughnessVSAvoidstrengthening depth
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines laser shock peening and ultrasonic rolling into a coupled strengthening process. The laser shock peening provides deep residual compressive stress (over 0.3mm depth) while ultrasonic rolling provides surface refinement, and their combined effect creates synergistic strengthening that neither method can achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-method strengthening to multi-field coupling by adding the laser shock dimension to the mechanical ultrasonic rolling dimension. This creates a three-dimensional strengthening effect penetrating deeper into the blade edge material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If laser shock peening is applied to obtain deep residual compressive stress, then fatigue strength is improved, but the process cannot be synchronized with ultrasonic rolling due to process incompatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefatigue strengthVSAvoidprocess compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges laser shock peening and ultrasonic rolling into a synchronized coupled process. The control system coordinates both methods to operate simultaneously or in sequence on the same blade edge region, achieving both deep residual stress and surface refinement in one integrated manufacturing step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous and coordinated action of both laser shock peening and ultrasonic rolling processes. The synchronization maintains optimal timing and positioning relationships between the two methods throughout the strengthening operation, maximizing their combined effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If higher-grade steel is used to improve blade edge service life, then hardness and strength are increased, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and mechanical parameters of the blade edge surface through coupled laser shock peening and ultrasonic rolling. This creates a strengthened surface layer with enhanced hardness and fatigue resistance, effectively extending service life without requiring higher-grade base steel materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure at the surface level through the coupled strengthening process. The surface layer develops distinct properties (higher hardness, residual compressive stress, refined grains) different from the base material, forming a functional composite that extends service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 method significantly enhances the depth of residual compressive stress, refines surface grains, reduces roughness, and improves fatigue strength and stress corrosion resistance, ensuring uniform strengthening without deformation or delamination.

Implementation Method 1

laser shock peening can obtain deep residual compressive stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser shock peening: Laser Peening

Implementation Method 2

laser shock peening uses a rectangular or square laser spot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock wave: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 3

under ultrasonic vibration conditions, the dynamic yield strength of metals will decrease

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 4

Ultrasonic rolling can achieve excellent surface roughness and grain refinement effects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic rolling:

Implementation Method 5

it can increase the plastic strain degree of metallic materials and obtain deeper residual compressive stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4671391A1Multi-field composite strengthening method for edge of ice skate blade
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 AVIC BEIJING AERONAUTICAL MFG TECH RES INST
  • EP4671391A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4671391A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4671391A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to the technical field of surface strengthening for sports equipment, and specifically to a method for multi-field coupling strengthening of an ice skate blade edge. The method includes the following steps: adjusting the laser head so that the laser beam covers the top surface and chamfer of the ice skate blade edge; adjusting the ultrasonic rolling device so that the rolling heads are positioned on both sides of the ice skate blade edge; determining the required laser energy and rolling force according to the material properties of the ice skate blade edge; simultaneously performing laser shock peening and dual-side opposing ultrasonic rolling on the side surfaces of the ice skate blade edge. By combining laser shock peening on the top surface of the blade edge with dual-side opposing ultrasonic rolling, deformation and delamination can be avoided. Meanwhile, the coupling of multiple energy fields reduces the dynamic yield strength of the material, making it easier for the material to undergo plastic deformation and achieve strengthening effects, thereby achieving deeper residual compressive stress, which is particularly beneficial for enhancing the strengthening effect in the chamfer part.