Cooling member for a mobile ice rink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for mobile ice rinks face inefficiencies and irregularities in ice formation near connectors due to temperature fluctuations and environmental factors, leading to energy inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating cooling elements along and under connectors that extend over a significant portion of the connector lengths, thermally connected to pipes, to enhance heat transfer through conduction and convection, and using a channel system to direct coolant flow for efficient heat absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If coolant flow is increased or temperature is lowered to prevent weak spots near connectors, then ice uniformity is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing cooling elements specifically at connector locations rather than uniformly along the entire pipe length. The cooling elements are positioned only where heat absorption anomalies occur (at connectors), allowing targeted cooling that prevents ice weak spots without the energy penalty of cooling the entire pipe system. This localized approach maintains ice uniformity while significantly improving energy efficiency.
2Temperature
If cooling elements are added at all connectors, then ice temperature homogeneity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function directly into the connector structure itself. The cooling elements are integrated with the connectors, forming a unified component rather than separate additions. This integration approach achieves temperature homogeneity while minimizing device complexity by combining multiple functions (connection and cooling) into a single structural element.
3Loss of energy
If cooling elements extend over entire connector lengths, then heat absorption compensation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into discrete cooling elements positioned at specific connector locations rather than requiring continuous cooling along entire connector lengths. Each cooling element is a separate, manageable component that can be manufactured and installed independently. This segmentation improves heat absorption compensation at critical points while reducing manufacturing complexity compared to continuous cooling structures.
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
This solution maintains a more uniform ice surface and reduces energy consumption by effectively compensating for heat absorption differences at connectors, improving skating surface continuity and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling elements are configured to transport heat from the water or ice surrounding the connectors to the coolant in the pipes through at least one of conduction and convection
Implementation Method 2
The cooling elements are configured to transport heat from the water or ice surrounding the connectors to the coolant in the pipes through at least one of conduction and convection
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling member for a mobile ice rink includes a plurality of pipes for transporting a coolant, wherein the pipes comprise at least two sections coupled by a connector. Cooling elements are provided at the locations of the connectors.