Staircase Handrail with Riser Barriers to Prevent Skateboard Sliding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handrails on staircases and ramps are used as a convenient track for skateboarders to slide down, potentially damaging the rail and compromising its intended purpose for user safety.
Innovation Solution
Modification of handrails with riser barriers that include extender and riser portions, positioned to allow hand passage while deterring sliding, by creating a horizontal and vertical distance between the handrail and the riser barriers, preventing skateboarders from using the handrail as a slide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional handrails are installed on staircases or ramps, then users can hold on for stabilization and support, but skateboarders can use the handrail as a slide track, potentially damaging the rail
Solution Approach 1:
The handrail system is segmented into multiple components: the elongated handrail member, multiple riser barriers spaced along its length, and extender portions connecting them. This segmentation allows the handrail to maintain its support function while the distributed riser barriers collectively prevent skateboard sliding.
Solution Approach 2:
Riser barriers serve as intermediary elements between the handrail and skateboarders. These barriers are positioned to block skateboard wheels from gaining traction on the handrail, while the extender portions ensure the barriers do not interfere with legitimate handholding. The intermediary barriers transfer the protective function without compromising user access.
2Reliability
If riser barriers are added to prevent skateboard sliding, then handrail integrity is protected, but the simplicity and elegance of the conventional handrail design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The riser barriers utilize arcuate-shaped members with thin, curved profiles that are fastened to the handrail. These slender, film-like structures provide effective skateboard prevention while maintaining visual lightness and minimal visual impact, preserving the aesthetic quality of the handrail design.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser barriers extend in the vertical dimension above the handrail, creating a protective presence without adding horizontal bulk. By utilizing the vertical space above the handrail, the design prevents skateboard access while maintaining the clean horizontal lines of the original handrail structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If riser barriers extend above the handrail to deter sliding, then skateboarders are prevented from using the handrail, but the space required for hand passage must be carefully maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The extender portions are designed with specific dimensional parameters: their length and horizontal offset distance are carefully controlled to create sufficient clearance for hand passage. By optimizing these parameters, the design ensures that hands can freely access the handrail while the vertical extension of riser portions maintains skateboard deterrence.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender portions are positioned and dimensioned to nest within the spatial envelope defined by the handrail and riser portions. This nested arrangement ensures that the extender portions provide the necessary horizontal clearance for hand passage while the riser portions extend vertically to prevent skateboard access, creating a compact integrated structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved handrail for a staircase or ramp. In one embodiment, the handrail includes an elongated member such as a cylinder or bar that spans the length of the staircase or ramp and a riser barrier. The riser barrier has an extender portion and a riser portion. The extender portion of the riser barrier keeps the elongated member a sufficient distance horizontally from the riser portion that a person can slide his or her hand on the rail without interference. The riser portion projects vertically a sufficient distance above the elongated member to deter sliding down the elongated member. Thus, sliding on the member is deterred, while the function of the cylinder as a handrail is preserved.