Pivoting Ice Rink Bracket Resolves Tripping and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice rink brackets face challenges such as insufficient support under water pressure and ice expansion, tripping hazards, and inefficient storage, with wooden stakes being difficult to install and take up space, while plastic and metal brackets are weak, bulky, and lack foldability.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting horizontal member secured to a vertical member forms a rigid channel bracket that provides resistance to bending and tripping hazards, with a hinged connection allowing the horizontal member to pivot and prevent tipping, and the ability to fold for efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional wooden stakes or plastic brackets with diagonal braces are used, then support strength is improved, but tripping hazards increase and storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket employs a dynamic folding mechanism where the horizontal member can pivot between an extended support position and a retracted storage position. This dynamic design allows the bracket to provide full support strength during ice rink operation while eliminating tripping hazards and improving storage efficiency during off-season, directly resolving the contradiction between support strength and tripping hazards.
2Reliability
If brackets are placed closer together to support typical load, then support reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the bracket by incorporating a hinge connection between the vertical and horizontal members. This parameter change enables the bracket to maintain high support reliability with increased spacing between brackets, as the pivoting horizontal member can dynamically adjust to distribute loads more effectively, reducing the need for frequent bracket placement.
3Strength
If non-folding metal brackets are used, then strength and rigidity are improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket transforms from a static rigid structure to a dynamic folding structure through the hinge connection. During use, the horizontal member extends to provide full structural strength and rigidity. During storage, the horizontal member pivots to fold against the vertical member, dramatically reducing storage volume. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between maintaining bracket strength and reducing storage space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket used to hold boards in the construction of an ice rink is disclosed. The bracket is made of steel, providing increased strength to allow for increased distance between each bracket. The bracket is easy to install and has improved retention into the soil. The bracket of the present invention has a horizontal member connected to a vertical member. The horizontal member prevents tipping in the direction of pressure exerted by the rink. The horizontal member is optionally hingedly connected to the vertical member, allowing the horizontal member to pivot to an open position, or a closed position to fold for off-season storage.