Modular Rink Chair Supports with Coupling Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supporting cooling pipes and reinforcing bars in ice rinks prior to the installation of a cast concrete layer result in wasted material and allow for excessive movement of support sections, as single rink chair support sections are insufficiently long to span the full width of the rink, leading to inefficient alignment and stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving rink chair support sections with a base structure featuring a hole in the first overlapping portion and a protruding element on the second overlapping portion, allowing for longitudinal coupling of sections end-to-end, reducing movement by engaging longitudinal and transverse surface portions, and utilizing a retaining mechanism to prevent removal of the protruding element from the hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If single rink chair support sections are used, then the structure is simple, but the sections are insufficiently long to span the full width of the rink
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple modular support sections that can be coupled end-to-end to achieve the required full width span. Each section functions as an independent unit with standardized coupling mechanisms, allowing the system to scale in length while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity through repetition of proven design elements.
2Area of stationary object
If support sections are overlapped laterally to form rows, then the full width of the rink can be spanned, but material is wasted due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses discrete modular sections with standardized dimensions and coupling interfaces. This segmentation allows precise positioning and reduces material waste by eliminating the need for excessive overlap, as each section can be accurately placed and connected to adjacent sections through the coupling means.
3Ease of operation
If support sections are not coupled together, then the structure is easy to assemble, but the sections remain free to move relative to one another
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent support sections are merged through coupling means that connect overlapping portions of neighboring sections. This combining approach maintains ease of assembly by using simple connection mechanisms while simultaneously providing stability by restraining longitudinal movement between sections, creating a unified stable structure from modular components.
4Productivity
If cooling pipes and reinforcing bars are placed on uncoupled support sections, then installation can proceed, but the sections still remain free to move transversely
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means merges adjacent support sections by connecting their overlapping portions, which restrains transverse movement while allowing the structure to remain accessible for installing cooling pipes and reinforcing bars. This merging provides the necessary transverse stability without impeding the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supporting cooling pipes and reinforcing bars in an ice rink is disclosed. The method provides rink chair support sections, each having a base structure with a first overlapping portion at one longitudinal end, a second overlapping portion at an opposite longitudinal end, and a middle portion intermediate the first and second overlapping portions. Each support section also has a support arrangement to support the pipes and bars, which is attached to the first overlapping and middle portions so as to stand upwardly therefrom. Further, the first overlapping portion has a hole that is arranged to receive a protruding element coupled to the second overlapping portion for longitudinally coupling support sections end-to-end. The method also involves arranging the support sections into a plurality of rows and coupling the support sections within each row so that each rink chair support of a support arrangement supports a different pipe.