A mathematical model of dynamic skate blade holders

In traditional ice hockey skates with fixed blade holders, a shorter blade radius allows for greater variation in the foot’s overall pitch angle as the contact point shifts from the rear to the front of the blade. Therefore, a shorter blade radius can help players better adapt their pitch angle to different skating demands as compared to a longer blade radius. However, reducing the blade radius also decreases the ice contact area, and when the contact becomes too limited, plowing resistance increases, creating a trade-off that can negatively impact speed and glide. To address this trade-off between maneuverability and glide resistance, a novel dynamic blade holder incorporating a rocker mechanism has been developed. This study presents a mathematical equilibrium model of the dynamic blade holder to evaluate its effect on skate pitch angle. The model demonstrates how the rocker allows independent adjustment of the pitch angle without altering blade curvature, effectively amplifying pitch changes as a function of contact point displacement. Analytical expressions describe this amplification and its dependence on rocker radius, providing practical tools for understanding and optimizing skate design. Future research should examine the biomechanical implications of this approach in real skating scenarios.