Adjustable Support Member for Level Ice Rink on Sloped Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor temporary ice skating rinks face challenges in maintaining a level surface on sloped ground, as water pools at the lower end due to gravity, leading to uneven ice formation, and current solutions like professional grading or reinforced boards are costly and undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A support member system with a base arrangement, height elevating section, and sloped surface that allows for adjustable panel placement, incorporating features like anti-skid surfaces and tension members to secure the panel on sloped surfaces, enabling the creation of a level ice skating rink on uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If taller boards are used to hold deeper water at one end of the rink, then the slope capability is improved, but the cost and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple individual support members rather than using a single continuous reinforced wall. Each support member is an independent unit that can be individually positioned and adjusted, eliminating the need for complex continuous reinforcement while maintaining slope capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed to be adjustable in height and position, allowing dynamic adaptation to different slope conditions. This adjustability provides the needed versatility for various slope capabilities without requiring fixed heavy reinforcement for maximum slope scenarios.
2Strength
If heavily-reinforced boards are used to withstand water pressure, then the structural strength is improved, but the cost and friction requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous reinforced wall is segmented into multiple smaller support members. This distribution of function reduces the strength requirement for each individual component, allowing the use of less expensive materials while collectively providing adequate water pressure resistance through the array of supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members act as intermediary elements between the ground and the water containment system. They provide the necessary strength to resist water pressure indirectly by supporting the containment structure at multiple points, rather than requiring the containment structure itself to be heavily reinforced.
3Stability of the object's composition
If metal or plastic spikes are used to penetrate the ground for friction, then the stability is improved, but the ease of assembly and land owner acceptance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to achieve stability through their own weight and base design rather than requiring active penetration mechanisms like spikes. The broad base and weighted construction allow the supports to self-stabilize on the ground surface, eliminating the need for spike installation and making assembly easier while maintaining stability.
4Manufacturing precision
If professional grading is performed to create a flat surface, then the ice surface levelness is improved, but the time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable support members are pre-positioned and adjusted to the appropriate heights before the water containment structure is installed. This preliminary adjustment creates the necessary level surface foundation in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming professional grading operations later.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members serve as an intermediary layer between the uneven ground and the water containment structure. They create a level intermediate surface that allows for proper ice formation without requiring modification of the underlying ground surface, thus avoiding the time and cost of professional grading.
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
Enables the construction of a safe and economically feasible, easily assembled ice skating rink on slopes exceeding one vertical foot, maintaining a level ice surface without the need for costly grading or reinforcement, while ensuring proper drainage and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The base arrangement includes an anti-skid feature
Data Source
AI summary
A support member for elevating a retaining wall panel includes a base arrangement with a first area and a second area. The base arrangement engages an underlying mounting surface. A height elevating section extends from the base arrangement proximate to the second area to a third area. The height elevating section has a receiving area configured to receive a wall panel. A sloped surface extends between the base arrangement proximate the first area and the height elevating section proximate to the third area. The sloped surface is configured to support a load bearing panel.