Ice Skate Blade Retention Rotor for Tool-Free Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice skate blade retention systems are prone to failure due to lack of robust mechanisms, leading to disengagement between the skate blade and blade holder during use, and components deteriorate quickly, making tool-free blade replacement inconvenient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A skate blade retention system featuring a trigger and rotor mechanism with a biasing element that allows for tool-free attachment and detachment of the skate blade, utilizing a rotor rotating portion with a rigid protrusion to securely engage and disengage the blade, facilitated by a translational and rotational motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fasteners (nut and bolt assembly) are used to retain the skate blade, then the blade can be securely retained, but tools are required to engage and disengage the blade which is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system enables the user to attach and detach the blade themselves without requiring external tools. The trigger mechanism allows the user to directly manipulate the rotor to engage or disengage the blade hooks, making the system self-servicing and eliminating dependency on specialized tools for blade replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional nut-and-bolt mechanical fastening system with a trigger-actuated rotor mechanism. This new mechanical system uses a cam-like rotor that converts rotational motion into linear displacement of the blade hooks, substituting the traditional threaded fastener system with a more operationally efficient mechanism
2Ease of operation
If rotational or translational mechanisms are used for tool-free blade replacement, then tool-free operation is achieved, but the retention mechanism lacks robustness and is prone to failure during use
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor incorporates a cam surface with specific curvature that creates a mechanical advantage during engagement. The curved cam profile ensures that as the rotor rotates, it progressively pulls the blade hooks into the retention grooves, creating a self-locking action that enhances reliability during tool-free operation
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element pre-positions the rotor in a specific orientation that ensures the blade hooks are already aligned with the retention grooves before engagement. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the trigger is actuated, the hooks are ready to be captured, preventing misalignment and failure during use
3Ease of operation
If simple rotational or translational mechanisms are used, then the system allows easy blade replacement, but components are prone to deterioration during repeated usage
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to absorb and distribute repeated engagement forces. The cam surface geometry and bearing arrangement enable the rotor to handle repeated rotational cycles without excessive wear, maintaining operational reliability over extended periods of repeated blade replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs shock and reduces impact forces during each engagement cycle. By providing this protective cushioning beforehand, the system reduces stress on the rotor and trigger components, thereby extending their service life during repeated usage
4Reliability
If robust retention mechanisms are implemented, then reliable blade retention is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the rotor component: it serves as both the actuating mechanism (replacing the trigger's sole function) and the retention mechanism (replacing separate clips or fasteners). This consolidation of functions into a single integrated rotor reduces the number of discrete components while maintaining reliable blade retention
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cam mechanism for actuation, a retention device for holding the blade, and a positioning element for aligning the blade hooks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable retention
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
Provides a reliable, durable, and convenient mechanism for attaching and detaching skate blades without tools, enhancing the retention system's ability to maintain a secure connection and reduce wear and tear.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one biasing element is biased to cause rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in a first rotational direction
Implementation Method 2
A first translation of the trigger towards the rotor causes a first rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction
Data Source
AI summary
A skate blade retention system comprising a trigger including a user interface and a rotor positioned adjacent to the trigger. The rotor comprises a rotor rotating portion rotatable about a central axis and comprising a rigid protrusion, a rotor mounting portion, and at least one biasing element coupled to the rotor mounting portion. The at least one biasing element is biased to cause rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in a first rotational direction. A first translation of the trigger towards the rotor causes a first rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The at least one biasing element causes (i) a second rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in the first rotational direction, and (ii) a second translation of the trigger away from the rotor.