Telescopic Bleacher Handrail Cam Rotation Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic or retractable bleacher systems face challenges with handrails that protrude into the activity space when retracted, reducing usable footprint and requiring removal or folding, which is inconvenient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A stowable handrail system with a cam and outer cylinder mechanism that rotates the handrail from a parallel position during use to a perpendicular position when the bleachers are retracted, allowing it to store without tools and maximize space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handrails are mounted to store in front of the closed bleacher, then the handrails enable retraction of the bleachers without removal, but the horizontal portions of the handrails protrude from the face of the retracted bleachers and into the activity space, reducing the usable footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The handrail is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to rotate between a horizontal use position and a vertical stowed position. The cam and cam slot mechanism enables the handrail to automatically change its orientation based on whether the bleacher is in use or retracted position, eliminating the need for manual removal or folding while maximizing space utilization.
2Reliability
If handrails are positioned in the aisles to comply with codes, then safety requirements are met, but the handrails interfere with the retracted bleacher position and require removal or folding
Solution Approach 1:
The handrail system maintains safety compliance by providing handrail support when the bleacher is in use, while automatically rotating to a vertical position when retracted, eliminating the need for complex removal or folding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The handrail system automatically transitions between use and stowed positions through the cam and cam slot mechanism, which is actuated by the bleacher's own movement, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control systems.
3Area of stationary object
If the bleacher is moved between open and closed positions, then space utilization is optimized, but the handrail must be removed or folded, which is inconvenient and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The handrail is designed to dynamically change its position automatically as the bleacher transitions between open and closed states. The cam mechanism rotates the handrail from horizontal to vertical orientation, maintaining safety during use and maximizing space when retracted, without requiring manual removal or folding operations.
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 handrail system safely and conveniently avoids interference with the bleachers' retracted position, maximizing available space without the need for removal or folding, ensuring safe and efficient use of the area.
Implementation Method 1
The post of the handrail includes a cam and an outer cylinder surrounding the post includes a cam slot. As the post is raised in the cylinder, the corresponding cam and cam slot cause rotation of the post thereby changing the orientation of the handrail.
Data Source
AI summary
A telescopic and retractable bleacher system and handrail that stows with the bleacher system. The bleacher system is adapted to move between an open position in which seating is available for use and a closed position in which rows of seating surfaces are vertically stacked. The system includes handrails adapted to move between a use position when the system is in the open position and a stowed position when the system is in a closed position. A post of the handrail includes a cam and a cylinder surrounding the post includes a cam slot. A ramp on a surface of the aisle step engages the post and raises the post within the cylinder as the bleacher system is moved into the open position. As the post is raised in the cylinder, the corresponding cam and cam slot cause rotation of the post.