Agricultural Ladder with Adjustable Hinged Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural ladders used for fruit gathering and tree pruning are unstable on loose ground, fail to adapt to surfaces like trunks and walls, and lack features for holding tools and accessories, posing safety and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural ladder with rotatably associated, hinge-clamped supporting legs that can adjust in length and angle, featuring stabilizer feet with ball joints or hinges, tool holder trays, and mechanisms for resting against walls or trunks, ensuring stability and versatility while being lightweight and easy to handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-point ground resting system is used, then the ladder is easy to handle and not bulky, but it is unstable and dangerous on loose ground
Solution Approach 1:
The single-point ground contact is segmented into multiple supporting legs (typically three or more) that distribute the load across a larger area. Each leg can be independently adjusted in length and angle, allowing the ladder to adapt to uneven ground while maintaining stability without increasing overall bulk significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting legs incorporate telescopic or adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to different ground conditions. The legs can be extended or repositioned based on the terrain, providing stability on loose or uneven ground while maintaining a compact configuration when not in use.
2Device complexity
If a fixed-structure ladder is used, then the structure is simple, but it does not adapt well to being placed against trunks or walls
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder incorporates adjustable supporting legs with variable length and angle capabilities, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to different placement scenarios whether against trunks, walls, or on uneven ground. This maintains reasonable structural simplicity while dramatically improving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The ladder design integrates multiple functions into a single structure: the adjustable legs serve both as ground support and as adaptation mechanisms for different vertical surfaces. Additional features like tool holders and safety cables provide multi-functionality without significantly increasing structural complexity.
3Weight of moving object
If a basic ladder structure is used, then the weight is low, but it lacks surfaces for holding tools and other accessories
Solution Approach 1:
Tool holders, safety cables, and accessory mounting surfaces are merged with the existing ladder structure rather than being separate additions. For example, tool holders may be integrated into the rung structure or attached to the supporting legs, adding functionality while minimizing additional weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The ladder structure serves multiple purposes: the supporting legs provide both structural support and mounting surfaces for tools and accessories. The vertical upright serves as both the main structural element and a mounting surface for tool holders and safety equipment, reducing the need for separate components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an agricultural ladder (1) comprising a vertical upright (2) ad a longitudinal axis (x) and a plurality of rungs (3) projecting transversely from said vertical upright (2), where said agricultural ladder (1) comprises a first (10) and a second (20) supporting leg for resting on the ground having a longitudinal axis (y', y"), where each supporting leg (10, 20) is associated with a first end (2') of said vertical upright (2) with an angle of inclination (α', α") of less than 90° with respect to the extension of the longitudinal axis (x) of said vertical upright (2), and where each supporting leg (10, 20) comprises means for the selective adjustment of its length.