Auto-Rotating Aisle Rail Mechanism for Retractable Bleachers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescopic or retractable bleacher systems require excessive manpower and do not maximize usable space due to manually operated and protruding aisle rails, which also face challenges with particulates like sand and dirt affecting frictional engagement.

Innovation Solution

An auto-rotating aisle rail system with a handle portion aligned with the aisle in the open position, featuring a post with a short arm and roller mechanism that rotates 90 degrees for storage, utilizing a support socket and resilient members to facilitate automatic deployment and retraction, reducing manual effort and optimizing space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual turning or folding mechanisms are used for aisle rails, then the structure is simpler, but excessive manpower and time are required for reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic operation of aisle railsVSAvoidcomplexity of aisle rail mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the aisle rail with the bleacher deck structure, integrating the rail mounting directly into the deck assembly. This merging eliminates separate manual operation mechanisms while maintaining structural simplicity, allowing the rail to be automatically positioned with the deck during telescopic extension and retraction operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The aisle rail structure serves multiple functions: it provides handrail support for user safety, acts as a structural component of the deck assembly, and enables automatic positioning during deck extension/retraction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manual turning or folding mechanisms, reducing both manpower requirements and mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If aisle rails are provided in deployed position, then user safety is improved, but usable space is reduced due to protruding rails in closed position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser safety on aislesVSAvoidusable space in closed position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The aisle rail is designed to dynamically change its position and orientation based on the deck configuration. During deck extension, the rail automatically assumes a deployed position providing handrail support for user safety. During deck retraction to closed position, the rail automatically repositions to minimize protrusion, thereby maximizing usable space. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between safety and space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If frictional engagement is used for rail deployment, then mechanical simplicity is maintained, but performance deteriorates in environments with particulates like sand and dirt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of deployment mechanismVSAvoidreliability in particulate environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces friction-based engagement mechanisms with a positive mechanical engagement system using interlocking features between the rail and deck structure. This substitution eliminates reliance on friction, which degrades in particulate environments, while maintaining mechanical simplicity. The interlocking mechanism provides reliable deployment and retraction operation regardless of the presence of sand, dirt, or other particulates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 auto-rotating aisle rail system minimizes manpower required for reconfiguration, maximizes usable space by retracting the rails, and maintains functionality despite particulates, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member to rotate the post and handle portion between the open and closed positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A roller is disposed on the short arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentUS10053881B2Auto-rotating aisle rail systems and methods

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 TD BANK N A

AI summary

Improved aisle rail systems and methods for use in conjunction with telescopic or retractable seating systems. A handle portion is at an upper end of a post. A short arm having a roller extends radially from a lower extent of the post. The post is rotationally mounted to a deck of a bleacher system by a support socket. Interaction of the roller with a step mounted on an underlying deck resulting from relative motion of the deck on which the aisle rail system is mounted and the underlying deck results in rotation of the post and associated handle.