Pivotable Ice Access Ramp for Sled Skaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard enclosed ice surfaces present a barrier for sled skaters due to a raised area between the ice and the outer floor, making it difficult to move sled skaters onto and off the ice surface, especially for larger or heavier individuals.
Innovation Solution
An ice access ramp assembly with pivotable ramp sections and a central bridge made of low friction material, allowing easy movement onto and off the ice surface, and folding for storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a raised area is provided between the ice surface and outer floor, then the ice surface can be enclosed and protected, but sled skaters cannot easily access the ice surface
Solution Approach 1:
The access system is divided into multiple segmented ramp sections (first ramp section, second ramp section, third ramp section) that can be independently positioned and configured. Each ramp section can be selectively extended or retracted to create a continuous inclined surface from the outer floor to the ice surface, eliminating the barrier effect of the raised area while maintaining enclosure protection when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp sections are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing them to be extended or retracted as needed. The first ramp section can be extended to bridge the gap from the outer floor to the raised area, the second ramp section can be extended to provide access from the raised area to the ice surface, and the third ramp section can be extended to provide lateral access on the ice surface. This dynamic configuration enables easy access when needed while maintaining the enclosed structure when the ramps are retracted.
2Ease of operation
If manual lifting is used to move sled skaters over the raised area, then access is possible, but it is difficult and requires multiple persons for larger skaters
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp sections create a continuous inclined surface that eliminates the potential energy barrier created by the raised area. By providing a gradual slope from the outer floor through the raised area to the ice surface, the system allows sled skaters to move themselves onto the ice without requiring external lifting forces, achieving equipotential access across the elevation change.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp system enables sled skaters to independently access and exit the ice surface without requiring assistance from other persons. The inclined surfaces provided by the extended ramp sections allow skaters to use their own strength to propel themselves onto and off the ice, eliminating the need for manual lifting and making the system suitable for skaters of all sizes.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed ramp structure is provided, then access is easy, but the structure cannot be stored or transported when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The access system is divided into multiple separable ramp sections that can be independently stored or transported when not in use. The first ramp section, second ramp section, and third ramp section can be detached from their respective mounting locations (outer floor, raised area, ice surface) and stored separately, allowing the system to be compacted for transport while maintaining full functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp sections are designed with dynamic deployment capabilities, allowing them to be extended from compact storage positions to functional access positions as needed. The first ramp section can be extended from the outer floor, the second ramp section from the raised area, and the third ramp section from the ice surface, enabling the system to transform from a compact stored state to a fully extended access configuration on demand.
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
Facilitates quick and easy access to the ice surface for sled skaters of all sizes, reducing the need for manual lifting and enabling independent movement over the raised area, while being compact and transportable.
Implementation Method 1
The ramp sections and the central bridge area have surfaces formed of a low friction material
Data Source
AI summary
An ice access ramp assembly for accessing an ice surface includes a central bridge section and a pair of ramp sections. Each ramp section is pivotably mounted to the central bridge section for movement between a folded configuration and an extended configuration. The ramp sections and the central bridge section have surfaces formed of a low friction material. When the ramp assembly is extended, a first ramp section provides access from an outer floor and enables a sled skater to move up the first ramp section and onto the central bridge section. The sled skater can then move from the central bridge area onto the second ramp section, which provides access onto the ice surface. When not in use, the ramp assembly can be folded for storage and transport. The ramp assembly may include wheels that facilitate transport of the ice access ramp assembly over a floor or other surface.