Thermoformable Ice Skate Boot Shell Integrating Blade Holder

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ice skates are complex and heavy due to multiple components, necessitating a lighter and more streamlined design.

Innovation Solution

An ice skate boot with an outer shell made of thermoformable material, thermoformed to include a heel portion, ankle portion, side portions, toe portions, and skirt portions that fold inward to form bottom portions for receiving an ice skate blade, reducing the number of components and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple different components and materials are used to provide performance and aesthetic needs, then the skate meets performance requirements, but the skate becomes heavier and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveperformanceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated outer shell made of thermoformable material. The shell integrates the boot structure, blade holder, and aesthetic elements into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate parts while maintaining all necessary functions and performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer shell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, holds the blade, delivers aesthetic appearance, and enables customization. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized components with a single versatile element that performs all necessary roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple different components and materials are used to provide performance and aesthetic needs, then the skate meets performance requirements, but the skate becomes heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveperformanceVSAvoidskate weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated outer shell made of thermoformable material. The shell integrates the boot structure, blade holder, and aesthetic elements into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate parts while maintaining all necessary functions and performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes thermoformable material that can be molded into complex three-dimensional shapes, allowing a single component to replace multiple traditional parts. This material enables integration of structural and aesthetic functions while reducing overall weight compared to assembling multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If traditional multi-component skate construction is used, then performance and aesthetic needs are met, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveperformanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by thermoforming the outer shell from a pre-cut blank of thermoformable material. The blank is prepared with the appropriate shape and features before forming, allowing the complex three-dimensional structure to be created in a single manufacturing step rather than assembling multiple components afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated outer shell made of thermoformable material. The shell integrates the boot structure, blade holder, and aesthetic elements into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate parts while maintaining all necessary functions and performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution results in a lighter, more efficient ice skate boot that maintains performance and aesthetic needs while minimizing components, enhancing user experience through reduced weight and improved manufacturing processes.

Implementation Method 1

an outer shell made of thermoformable material and thermoformed such that said outer shell comprises

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoforming: Thermomechanical Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7451991B2Ice skate boot

Publication Date: 2008.11.18 BAUER HOCKEY LLC

AI summary

An ice skate boot comprising an outer shell made of thermoformable material. The outer shell is thermoformed such that it comprises a heel portion for receiving the heel of a foot, an ankle portion for receiving the ankle, medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and medial and lateral toe portions for covering the toes of the foot. The medial and lateral side and toe portions are thermoformed such that they define medial and lateral skirt portions extending downwardly therefrom and forming together a bottom portion for receiving an ice skate blade.