Border bench apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing playground retaining wall systems do not provide a convenient seating area for parents to monitor their children, leading to increased response times and additional costs for separate seating surfaces outside the play area.
Innovation Solution
A modular border bench that integrates with the retaining wall system, serving as a seat while maintaining the fill material in place, and can be easily installed or swapped into existing settings, providing a seating area near the playground equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate seating surfaces are provided outside the retaining wall area, then parents have a place to rest and monitor children, but the response time increases and additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The border bench merges the seating function with the retaining wall structure by integrating a seating surface into the border bench assembly that replaces a retaining wall section. This combination allows parents to sit close to the play area while maintaining the retaining wall's encirclement function, eliminating the need for separate seating surfaces outside the play area.
Solution Approach 2:
The border bench serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a retaining wall section to hold fill material, provides a seating surface for parents, and maintains the encirclement of the play area. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing supervision capability without increasing distance or cost.
2Ease of operation
If separate seating surfaces are provided outside the retaining wall area, then parents have a place to rest, but additional costs must be borne
Solution Approach 1:
The border bench merges the seating function with the retaining wall structure, eliminating the need for separate seating equipment. The seating surface is integrated into the border bench assembly that replaces a retaining wall section, providing parent comfort while avoiding additional equipment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The border bench provides multiple functions in a single structure: retaining wall functionality and seating capability. This multi-functionality reduces the total quantity of equipment needed compared to providing separate retaining walls and separate seating surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If a border bench replaces a retaining wall section, then seating is provided near the play equipment, but the retaining wall function must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The border bench assembly is segmented into distinct components including a base portion that provides retaining wall function, a seating surface portion, and connection features. This segmentation allows the assembly to simultaneously fulfill both retaining wall and seating functions while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The border bench is designed as a multi-functional assembly where the base portion retains fill material and the seating surface portion provides parental seating. This universal design ensures that replacing a retaining wall section with a border bench maintains retaining wall functionality while adding seating capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A border bench apparatus providing a seating surface that can be interchangeably replaced with a retaining wall section. The border bench comprises a bench section having a seating surface, a first end to engage a lower engagement projection, a second end adapted to engage an upper engagement projection, and a body. In the preferred embodiment, more than one spike passes through the hoes defined in the bench and the wall sections for stabilization. The border bench can include a weighted base, or a broadened base.