MIT Sled Project

2/19/2016

I have been in touch with some professors at MIT who are interested in helping us to build better sleds for sled hockey. This project is about to begin shortly.

They could use our suggestions.

What would y ou like to see different or better about our sled hockey sleds or other equipment? Please leave your comments!

16 Comments

Bill G

2/18/2016 08:30:16 pm

As someone who usually has lots of sleds, I would like it if they were stackable.

Te C

2/18/2016 08:30:44 pm

In my sled I would like, A non-slip down Frame And a little bit more back support. One of the problems that I have now is that slip down in the sled a lot and my back is sore after all the games.

Mary Ellen Cole

2/18/2016 08:31:20 pm

I know that it's probably impossible but since there are "one arm drive" wheelchairs- I am wondering if there is a way to create a "one arm drive" sled for players who only have use of one side if their body.

Bill G

2/18/2016 08:31:42 pm

I would also like to see "hot-swappable" buckets

Lorin C

2/18/2016 08:32:13 pm

I would like to see a lot more cushion in the sleds. Right now, we have to add cushion. It is hard for the cushion to stay up when we get into the sleds. If the sleds came with real cushion, it would be much better for us. The little bit of cushion in the sled is not adequate. It is very painful for me to be in the sled without cushion.

In addition, it would be better if the leg extension had more support for our legs. It only has a piece of material near the foot area. It would be better for me if there were material in more than one place. All the way down would be even better. We should also have a more secure belt for our legs and something to secure our feet.

Is it possible to make the sleds steadier so they do not tip over so easy? I do not have the ability to stay upright in my sled. I tip over if someone is not holding me. It is very painful for me when I fall over. It would also make it easier for me to get into the sled.

I have a pusher who pushes me in my sled. Maybe the arms could be more easily adjustable to accommodate pushers of different heights.

A sturdier back with seat belts, and more secure belts for the legs and feet would be appreciated.

Lorin C

2/18/2016 08:32:34 pm

Does this also include other hockey equipment such as the gloves and hockey sticks?

If yes….

The hockey gloves are very difficult to get on for some of us who have limited control of our hands. It takes a very long time to put on the gloves because we have to get each finger in a specific place. It would be extremely helpful if the gloves could fit more like mittens so that we would only have to put our thumbs in and the fingers could just be loose but still have protection.

In addition, some of us cannot hold on to the hockey sticks. They are duct taped to our hands and gloves. This is very time consuming and sometimes the tape does not hold. Could there be a glove that attaches to the stick so we do not have to use duct tape? I have grips that attach my hand to the oar when I row. However, the hockey gloves are so thick that it does not fit. Because of the movement in hockey, I do not think they would work even if they did fit.

Elijah Wong

2/18/2016 08:33:08 pm

For kids, getting the bucket to fit snug is the challenge. Something similar to an inflatable bladder like the reebok pump sneaker designs but for the hockey bucket. As they get to be adults there are formed orthotic buckets--perhaps a cheaper formed insert similar to soft rubber inserts.
The ice to bucket height should be adjustable for smaller players to aid in picking themselves up from tipped over position.
Any improvements in weight, skate sharpening Flat Bottom V versus radial cut blade relationships. Is there a proper formula based on child's weight to length of skate, cut of blade, and speed that can be derived?
Are there better seating positions to improve body mechanics? Forward leaning, tilting, rising, back positions all related to varying trunk abilities. What gives the best stride mechanics?

Elijah Wong

2/22/2016 09:46:22 pm

Seated position legs bent, pommel may help kids from sliding forward if little to no control of legs for bracing.

Jason Nieh

2/18/2016 08:33:27 pm

The sleds are a lot slower than stand up skaters. What could be done to make them faster?

Patty Wolff

2/18/2016 08:33:48 pm

What can be done to make the sled go faster if the player does not have a strong core muscles.
Also, is there anyway to make the sticks easier and smoother to "flip" from propel mode to hitting the puck mode

Bill G

2/19/2016 05:11:21 am

Some sort of suspension for when kids are being pushed to make it easier to turn and bank.

Also, easier way to move blades in and out to make the skating blades narrower or wider.

Victor

2/19/2016 06:27:22 am

Would like the buckets to be one mold with higher backs that can be lowered to accommodate different abilities.

Would also like blades to be adjusted quickly without screws and bolts. This way we can change with and move them back and forward easily.

Agree with some type of bladder system to fit a person in the sled better.

Elijah Wong

2/19/2016 11:29:32 am

"Fast Ice", "Slow Ice", and "Snow". Looking at ways to make the sled faster or easier to propel based on the conditions of the ice in contact with the blade and radius of hollow could be another exploitable variable. What is the perfect combination? Would that lead to interchangeable blade design like our current hockey professionals use today with different blades for different conditions?

Bill G

2/20/2016 10:03:27 am

Ratchet straps, especially foot strap.

The foot holder on the mobility sled is better than unique sled but doesn't allow the sled to be out over the players head when carrying.

Owen G.

2/21/2016 05:12:44 pm

A bucket seat that is more comfortable and proper permanent cushion. A bit more leg support around the leg extension, as kids shouldn't have to use duct tape to secure legs safely. A way for the blades to move in and out with ease. while it's not related to the sled specifically, the gloves are indeed a concern for many without as much control -- so if any thoughts to make them easier to use (not as thick), I'm certain many would appreciate.

Bill G

5/18/2016 03:28:26 am

handles to help other people lift the sled on and off the ice.

MIT Sled Project

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