A-Frame Pool Ladder Flexible Gate Barrier Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool ladders are often cumbersome, difficult to assemble, and do not fit standard shipping containers, while also lacking effective vandal guards to prevent unauthorized access, especially for A-frame ladders used in swimming pools.
Innovation Solution
The design of an A-frame ladder with interfitting molded plastic parts that can be easily assembled and packaged, combined with a flexible gate/barrier device that inhibits access between the in-pool and staircase ladders, using a tambour-style barrier to prevent entry and enhance safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pool ladders are designed with rigid vandal guards, then security is improved, but the structure becomes cumbersome and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible gate/barrier device made of flexible material that can be positioned between the in-pool and staircase ladders. This flexible barrier provides security against unauthorized access while maintaining a simple, non-cumbersome structure that does not complicate the overall ladder design.
2Reliability
If pool ladders are designed with fixed barriers, then safety is improved, but the ladders do not fit standard shipping containers
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible gate/barrier device is designed as a separate, removable component that can be stored within or attached to the ladder structure. When the ladder needs to be shipped, the barrier can be detached or collapsed, allowing the entire assembly to fit within standard shipping container dimensions while maintaining safety functionality during use.
3Reliability
If A-frame ladders use traditional vandal guards, then access control is improved, but assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible gate/barrier device incorporates movable components that can be easily positioned and secured. The barrier can be slid into place between the ladder rails and locked using simple mechanisms, allowing quick assembly without requiring complex tools or procedures, thereby improving ease of manufacture and assembly.
4Reliability
If rigid barriers are used to prevent unauthorized entry, then security is improved, but the structure becomes unwieldy and difficult to position
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible gate/barrier device can be easily manipulated and positioned by hand between the ladder rails. Its flexible nature allows it to conform to the ladder structure and be secured in various positions, making it simple to install and reposition as needed while maintaining effective security against unauthorized access.
Data Source
AI summary
An A-frame ladder has a first ladder and a second ladder. The first ladder has two rails interconnected by a plurality of steps and a first set of grooves that receive a gate/barrier device to inhibit a person from using the first ladder's steps. The second ladder also has two rails interconnected by a plurality of steps and a second set of grooves, interconnected to the first set of grooves, that receive the gate/barrier device so the first ladder and the second ladder can be used and inhibits a person from entering the area between the first ladder and the second ladder through the second ladder's steps.