Skate Frame Segmented Design for Weight and Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional skate frames are heavy, rigid, and lack shock absorption and vibration damping, leading to uncomfortable skating experiences due to their material limitations and design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A skate frame design featuring a lower metal frame portion with upward protruding arms and an upper composite frame portion with interlocking channels and surfaces, eliminating traditional fasteners and using adhesives for a secure, lightweight, and aesthetically improved structure that provides tailored stiffness and enhanced shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a one-piece steel frame structure is used, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases and vibration damping is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments including a lower frame portion, an upper frame portion, and intermediate portions with protruding arms. These segments are connected through coupling surfaces and fastening means, allowing each part to be optimized independently for strength while reducing overall weight compared to a solid one-piece structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining metal materials for the lower frame portion with different materials for the upper frame portion. This allows optimization of each material for its specific function - metal provides structural strength where needed while lighter materials reduce overall weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid one-piece frame is used, then structural stability is improved, but shock absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame design incorporates shock absorption capabilities through its segmented structure and coupling mechanisms. The intermediate portions with protruding arms and coupling surfaces are designed to allow controlled movement and energy absorption before shocks reach the user, providing cushioning in advance of impact events.
3Strength
If traditional fasteners are used to connect frame portions, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling surfaces and fastening means are integrated into the frame portions themselves rather than being separate components. The protruding arms and coupling surfaces are formed as part of the molded frame portions, merging the connection mechanism with the structural elements to reduce overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems with integrated coupling surfaces that may use adhesives or other non-mechanical attachment methods. This substitution reduces the number of mechanical fasteners needed while maintaining connection strength and simplifying the overall assembly.
4Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic materials are used for the upper frame portion, then ease of manufacture is improved, but dimensional stability and strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the material parameters by using thermosetting materials or composite materials with reinforced fibers for the upper frame portion instead of standard thermoplastics. These material parameter changes improve dimensional stability and strength while maintaining manufacturability through molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper frame portion uses composite materials that combine the ease of molding with improved dimensional stability and strength. The composite construction allows the material to be formed through molding processes while the reinforced structure provides the necessary stability and mechanical properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A skate frame comprises a lower frame portion comprising gliding means for running on a gliding surface and an upper frame portion comprising one or more support surfaces for supporting the user's boot. Both the frame portions comprise protruding arms that are mechanically coupled. The mutual interlock between the coupling surfaces of said protruding arms prevent relative movements between the frame portions along predefined directions.