Rotating Climbing Wall Slat Loop to Minimize Pinch Points
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating climbing walls with parallel slats suffer from pinch points and sagging issues, which can be uncomfortable and inefficient, and lack effective mechanisms for power transfer and lighting integration.
Innovation Solution
The slats are pinned together to form a loop, minimizing pinch points, and include rack and pinion gears for efficient power transfer, while coupling blocks and uprights prevent sagging, and lights are integrated with central openings for holds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If parallel slats are used to form the climbing surface, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but pinch points are created between adjacent slats
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing surface is divided into discrete slat segments that are pinned together to form a loop, allowing each slat to be independently manufactured while collectively forming a continuous surface that minimizes pinch points through proper joint design
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling blocks are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent slats to connect them in a loop configuration, serving as mediators that eliminate direct contact pinch points while maintaining structural integrity and continuous climbing surface
2Productivity
If the climbing surface forms an infinite loop, then the climbing experience is continuous, but sagging occurs in the loop
Solution Approach 1:
Coupling blocks with retaining members are positioned at strategic locations around the loop to provide counter-support forces that prevent sagging, acting as anti-weight elements that maintain the climbing surface stability while preserving the continuous loop configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling blocks and retaining members are pre-positioned and pre-tensioned to anticipate and prevent sagging before it occurs, ensuring the climbing surface maintains proper tension and stability throughout operation
3Power
If rack and pinion gears are added for power transfer, then power transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack and pinion gear mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides efficient power transfer to rotate the climbing wall, maintains proper slat spacing through the meshing engagement, and ensures synchronized rotation of all slats in the loop, thereby justifying the added complexity through multi-functionality
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 solution enhances user comfort by reducing pinch points and sagging, improves power transfer efficiency, and allows for seamless lighting integration, providing a robust and continuous climbing experience.
Implementation Method 1
The slats may include rack gears that are driven by pinion gears positioned at the top and bottom of the loop of slats
Implementation Method 2
The slats may include coupling blocks that interface with coupling faces formed on rails to minimize sagging
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure extends to a rotating climbing wall. Slats of the rotating climbing wall can be pinned together to form a loop of slats that functions similar to a chain. The pinned-together slats minimize pinch points. The slats may include rack gears that are driven by pinion gears positioned at the top and bottom of the loop of slats. The slats may include coupling blocks that interface with coupling faces formed on rails to minimize sagging. The slats may include lights that include central openings through which holds are mounted to the slats.