Adjustable Stairway Floating-Step Stabilization Against Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable stairways with conical locating devices suffer from floating steps that are prone to binding or jamming, leading to inefficiencies and ergonomic issues, particularly in industries requiring varied access solutions for large equipment and vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The stairway incorporates a mechanism with laterally offset components and recesses on floating steps, allowing for vertical and longitudinal stabilization through rollers and lead-in contours, enabling smooth adjustment between compacted and extended forms without misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conical locating device is used to stabilize floating steps, then the floating steps are stabilised about the conical locating device, but the floating steps are prone to binding or jamming due to misalignment with the conical locating device
Solution Approach 1:
The locating mechanism is divided into two separate functional components: a conical locating device that provides longitudinal positioning and a separate laterally offset component that provides lateral alignment and stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without causing misalignment issues, as the laterally offset component compensates for the directional limitations of the conical device.
Solution Approach 2:
The laterally offset component acts as an intermediary element between the floating step and the conical locating device. It mediates the alignment between the step and the locating mechanism, accommodating misalignment through its offset positioning and lead-in contour, thereby preventing binding or jamming while maintaining stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If floating steps are used in an adjustable stairway, then the stairway can be adjusted between compacted and extended forms, but the floating steps require precise alignment to prevent binding or jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The locating components are deliberately positioned asymmetrically (laterally offset) relative to each other and to the floating step. This asymmetric arrangement creates a lead-in contour that guides the floating step into proper alignment during adjustment, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision while preventing binding or jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical locating device and the lead-in contour incorporate curved surfaces that guide the floating step into proper alignment during movement. The curved geometry accommodates minor misalignments and facilitates smooth transition between compacted and extended forms without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ladders and stairways are used to accommodate different equipment sizes, then access to various machinery is possible, but storage and transportation become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The stairway is designed with dynamic, adjustable components including floating steps that can move between compacted and extended forms. This dynamic design allows a single stairway to adapt to different height requirements and equipment sizes, replacing the need for multiple fixed stairways and reducing storage space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable stairway with floating steps serves multiple functions by accommodating different equipment sizes and access heights. The universal design allows one stairway to replace multiple specialized ladders and stairways, improving versatility while reducing the total number of access equipment items needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile adjustable stairway which has a first frame section which is adapted to be mobile and has fixed steps and a second frame section coupled to the first frame section such that relative movement there between can take place whereby the stairway is adjustable between a compacted form and an extended form. A set of floating steps is provided whereby each floating step is adapted to be progressively raised and lowered as the stairway as the second frame section is moved relative to the first frame section between the compacted and extended forms. The stairway also has a set of first components associated with each floating step operable to laterally stabilise the floating step when in the extended form; and a set of second components associated with each floating step operable to longitudinally stabilise the floating step when in the extended form.