Movable Dasher Board Low Friction Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice rink safety systems fail to provide maximum protection to players and users by not allowing for horizontal movement of dasher boards upon impact, which can lead to undesirable vertical movement and increased risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A movable dasher board system with a bottom structure having low friction characteristics, such as steel or polytetrafluoroethylene, and biasing and impact force absorbing devices that allow the dasher board assembly to move horizontally over the ice surface upon impact, minimizing injury risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dasher boards are fixed to the floor of the arena, then structural stability is maintained, but player safety is reduced due to rigid impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The dasher board assembly is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to deflect horizontally upon impact. The assembly can move along the ice surface or within channels, transforming from a static rigid structure to a dynamic energy-absorbing system that reduces impact forces on players.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates energy absorbing mechanisms such as springs, dampers, or friction-based elements that are pre-configured to cushion impacts before they reach the player. These elements are designed to activate upon impact, providing predetermined energy absorption to minimize injury risk.
2Loss of energy
If energy absorbing sports board assembly moves with respect to the arena floor, then impact energy is absorbed, but heavy support structure movement is required which is impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate components: a heavy stationary framework and a lighter movable dasher board assembly. Only the assembly needs to move for energy absorption, while the support structure remains fixed, eliminating the need to move the entire heavy structure.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mechanism such as rollers, sliding elements, or flexible connections is introduced between the dasher board assembly and the support structure. This intermediary allows the assembly to move independently with minimal friction or resistance, enabling energy absorption without requiring movement of the heavy support structure.
3Length of moving object
If dasher board assembly moves on the surface of the arena, then horizontal deflection is achieved, but vertical movement component causes undesirable effects
Solution Approach 1:
The movement is constrained to a specific dimension (horizontal plane) by using channels, guides, or low-friction surfaces that prevent vertical displacement. The dasher board assembly deflects horizontally along the ice surface or within defined pathways, eliminating unwanted vertical motion components.
Solution Approach 2:
Rollers or sliding elements serve as intermediaries that constrain movement to horizontal motion only. These elements roll or slide along the ice surface or within channels, allowing horizontal deflection while preventing vertical movement through their geometric constraints and low-friction contact.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed dasher boards are used, then installation is simple, but player safety in high-risk areas is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dasher board assembly incorporates movable components with low-friction characteristics that allow horizontal deflection upon impact. This dynamic capability is particularly valuable in high-risk areas like corners and ends where severe injuries are more likely to occur, while still maintaining relatively simple installation procedures.
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 system effectively reduces the risk of injury by allowing horizontal movement of dasher boards, providing optimum safety and compatibility with both new and existing ice rink facilities, particularly in high-risk areas like corners and ends where severe injuries occur.
Implementation Method 1
A bottom structure having low friction characteristics... allowing horizontal movement of dasher boards
Implementation Method 2
biasing and impact force absorbing devices which bias the bottom structure and dasher board assembly to a desired position and upon movement of the bottom structure absorb the impact of a human hitting the dasher board assembly
Implementation Method 3
biasing and impact force absorbing devices which bias the bottom structure and dasher board assembly to a desired position
Data Source
AI summary
A movable dasher board system optimizes user safety in a hockey rink or similar arena. A bottom structure, provided by a sliding bottom surface or roller assembly, has low friction characteristics, typically a μs of 0.05 or less with respect to ice if a sliding surface, or if roller bearings an effective coefficient of rolling friction 0.04 or less. A dasher board assembly is operatively connected to and extends upwardly from the bottom structure. Biasing and impact force absorbing devices (such as pneumatic or hydraulic or spring-encasing telescoping tubes, or foam, gel, or compression springs) bias the bottom structure and dasher board assembly to a desired position and absorb the impact of a human hitting the dasher board assembly to minimize the possibility of injury to the human. The system may be installed in a pre-existing rink or other arena.