Reciprocal Skate Track With Alternating Latch for Smooth Hockey Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hockey training devices, such as the PowerSkater™ apparatus, are costly, have numerous components, and do not facilitate smooth movement, making them expensive to ship and limiting their availability for practicing on-ice maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
An exercise and training apparatus with a pair of interconnected track sections and trucks that allow for smooth, reciprocal movement, simulating on-ice conditions, and featuring a latching mechanism for alternating foot placement, along with adjustable resistance to enhance muscle conditioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing hockey training devices like PowerSkater are used, then muscle conditioning and technique practice are improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into separate modular components: a stationary base unit with resistance mechanism and a movable platform unit with footrests. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall complexity while maintaining effective muscle conditioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated system: it provides resistance for muscle strengthening, guides proper skating posture through the platform geometry, and enables various hockey maneuvers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices.
2Productivity
If existing hockey training devices are used, then training effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and shipping expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the apparatus into a stationary base and a movable platform, each component can be manufactured using simpler, more cost-effective processes. The modular design also reduces shipping volume and cost while maintaining high training efficiency through the coordinated interaction of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses readily available materials and standard manufacturing techniques for both components, reducing production costs. The design avoids expensive specialized materials or complex assembly processes, making the device more economical to manufacture and ship while preserving training effectiveness.
3Strength
If existing hockey training devices are used, then muscle strength is improved, but movement smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform is designed to move smoothly along the stationary base through guided tracks or rails, allowing natural and smooth progression through various skating positions. This dynamic movement capability maintains muscle strength training effectiveness while improving ease of operation and movement fluidity.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise and training apparatus that includes a pair of interconnected diverging track sections, a pair of trucks for supporting the feet of a user and traveling along the track sections, and a latching mechanism operable for automatically and repetitively effecting alternating latching of a released truck and releasing of a latched truck as the released truck arrives proximate the apex of the apparatus. Each of the trucks is engageable with right and left rails on an associated track section via at least pulley-style road wheels and a pulley-style friction wheel on a right side wheel assembly and at least pulley-style road wheels and a pulley-style friction wheel on a left side wheel assembly.