Attic Ladder Strut Attachment Bracket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable ladders have complex and costly strut attachment systems that require frequent retightening of nut and bolt connections, leading to instability and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a strut stop bracket with an E-clip retaining ring to secure the strut to a stationary mounting plate, reducing the number of moving parts and enhancing strut alignment through a biplanar structure, and attaching the strut to a strut standoff using an E-clip retaining ring for simplified and secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nut and bolt connections are used to attach the strut, then the strut can be securely attached to the ladder sections, but frequent retightening is required leading to instability and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic nut and bolt connection system and replaces it with a simplified bracket and clamp mechanism. The strut attachment is separated from the complex fastening system and reattached using a dedicated bracket that integrates the connection function, eliminating the need for multiple fasteners and their associated retightening issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bracket as an intermediary component between the strut and the ladder sections. This bracket serves as a mediator that simplifies the connection by providing a pre-engineered attachment interface, replacing the direct nut-and-bolt connection between strut and ladder components.
2Ease of operation
If multiple moving parts are used in the strut attachment system, then the strut can be adjusted and installed, but the number of parts increases manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (bracket, clamp, fastening mechanism) into an integrated strut attachment assembly. The bracket is designed as a unified structure that combines the mounting interface, adjustment mechanism, and securing function into a single manufacturable component, reducing part count while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a universal attachment component that can accommodate different strut configurations and ladder sections. The multi-functional bracket serves as both a structural support element and an adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function.
3Productivity
If conventional strut attachment methods are used, then the strut can be installed, but alignment precision deteriorates and structural integrity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is pre-configured with built-in alignment features and positioning elements that automatically guide the strut into the correct position during installation. The preliminary design of the bracket includes integrated alignment mechanisms that eliminate the need for complex alignment procedures during the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket incorporates self-aligning features that automatically position the strut correctly without requiring external alignment tools or procedures. The design includes self-adjusting elements that ensure proper alignment through the mechanical interaction between the bracket and strut components during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding ladder assembly having a door, a frame, and a strut connecting the door and frame. The strut comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the strut is attached to the door via a strut stop bracket. The other end of the strut is attached to a stationary mounting plate, which is attached to the ladder opening frame. The strut is attached to the strut bracket via a strut standoff using an E-clip retaining ring. Optionally, the strut standoffs are riveted to the strut stop bracket and the stationary mounting plate. The strut stop bracket is optionally formed having a double bend to form two substantially parallel portions connected by a third non-parallel portion.