Ice Rink Barrier Lighting for Surface Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice rinks lack effective and safe lighting solutions that enhance the skating experience and create special lighting effects, particularly for areas like ice discos, while ensuring visibility and safety for ice skaters.
Innovation Solution
A gang element for an ice rink featuring a gang body aligned perpendicular to the ground with a lighting unit along its longitudinal axis, angled downwards at 25-75 degrees, creating a bright and safe ice surface by directing light into the ice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If ceiling lights are used for illumination, then the ice surface is brightly lit, but special lighting effects and atmospheric enhancement are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the ice surface itself as an intermediary medium for light transmission. Instead of direct ceiling illumination, lights are positioned beneath the ice surface to illuminate through it, creating both bright illumination and special visual effects simultaneously. This mediator approach allows the ice to transform ordinary light into atmospheric lighting effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional overhead (vertical) lighting to subsurface (horizontal/oblique) lighting. By changing the dimensional approach of light delivery from above to below the ice surface, the system achieves both functional illumination and aesthetic effects that were previously mutually exclusive.
2Device complexity
If traditional barrier elements are used, then the barrier structure is simple and cost-effective, but safety lighting and atmospheric effects are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the barrier function with the lighting function into a single integrated element. The barrier structure serves dual purposes: physical protection for skaters and light transmission medium for safety illumination. This merging eliminates the need for separate lighting systems while enhancing safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical barrier for safety, a light transmission medium for illumination, and a structural component for the rink. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while improving safety performance.
3Illumination intensity
If lights are positioned directly on the ice surface, then illumination is maximized, but the lighting unit interferes with skating and creates hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting unit is nested within the barrier element structure, which itself is positioned at the edge of the ice surface. This nested arrangement allows the light to be close to the ice for maximum illumination while being enclosed in a protective structure that prevents direct interference with skating activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier element serves as an intermediary structure that positions the light source optimally. It transmits light to the ice surface while its physical presence at the edge provides protection and prevents the lighting unit from becoming a skating hazard.
4Use of energy by moving object
If oblique lighting at 25-75 degrees is used, then light couples effectively into the ice surface, but the lighting unit must be positioned at complex angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies oblique lighting specifically at the barrier element locations where light coupling into the ice is most effective. This localized approach to angle optimization maximizes energy efficiency without requiring complex positioning throughout the entire rink, as the barrier elements provide natural mounting positions.
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
Enhances the skating experience with special lighting effects and significantly increases safety by ensuring light is directed into the ice surface, creating a bright and engaging atmosphere.
Implementation Method 1
A rink board element (1) according to the invention comprises a rink board body (2), which, when properly positioned, is oriented perpendicular to the ground... with an elongated lighting unit (3) along the longitudinal axis (A), which is arranged such that its main beam direction (H) is inclined away from the rink board body (2) at a downward beam angle (W) of at least 25° and at most 75°
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a barrier element (1) for the edge of an ice skating rink, the barrier element (1) comprising a barrier body (2) which, when positioned as intended, is oriented perpendicular to the ground and whose longitudinal axis (A) is aligned parallel to the ground, and wherein the barrier body (2) is designed to act as a barrier for ice skaters when positioned as intended, characterized in that the barrier element (1) has an elongated lighting unit (3) along the longitudinal axis (A) of the barrier body (2), which is arranged such that its main emission direction (H) is inclined away from the barrier body (2) at a downward emission angle (W) of at least 25° and at most 75°. The invention further comprises a barrier, an ice skating rink, the use of barrier elements, and a method.