Skating Frame with Flipper Propulsion for Hockey Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The difficulty of skating acts as a barrier for many people to participate in ice hockey, preventing them from enjoying the activity due to lack of skating skills or mobility impairments.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid apparatus combining elements of skating tutors with hockey, featuring a frame with propulsion devices like flippers that can be used on ice or wheels for dry land, allowing stable movement and object propulsion, with adjustable components for various surfaces and user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If skating tutors are used to support users, then stability is improved, but mobility and gameplay capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates movable propulsion devices (flippers or wheels) that can be activated to provide forward motion, transforming the static skating tutor into a dynamic system that adapts to different movement needs while maintaining structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus combines multiple functions: it provides structural support like a skating tutor, enables propulsion through flippers or wheels for movement, and incorporates gameplay features like object carrying, making it suitable for both mobility assistance and recreational activity
2Ease of operation
If propulsion devices are added to enable movement, then mobility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into separate, interchangeable components (flippers or wheels) that can be independently attached or removed from the frame, allowing the basic structure to remain simple while enabling complex functionality when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary structure that connects the propulsion devices to the user, mediating between the simple act of holding the frame and the complex function of controlled movement through flipper or wheel activation
3Speed
If the apparatus is designed for ice use with smooth contact surfaces, then speed is improved, but adaptability to other surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with interchangeable contact surfaces - ice blades for smooth ice surfaces to maximize speed, and wheels for dry land or rough surfaces, allowing the same basic structure to adapt to different environments and maintain functionality across varied conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surfaces are designed to be changeable based on the playing surface, allowing the apparatus to dynamically adapt its properties - using ice blades for speed on ice, and wheels for traction on land, transforming a single-purpose design into a multi-environment solution
Data Source
AI summary
A skating frame which incorporates hockey flippers to allow inexperienced skaters to play hockey while learning to skate. It is designed to be used as a multi surface game apparatus, allowing for wide accessibility. The apparatus aims to increase the people that can play hockey by allowing inexperienced skaters, when used on ice, to maintain balance and be supported while allowing them to also be able to interact with the object in play. The apparatus may also be adapted for ground use to help those with mobility impairments to play floor hockey. The interaction with the object used in the game is facilitated by the flipper blades that run along the play surface allowing the user to engage with the play object easily without having to compromise their support.