Auxiliary Ladder Platform with Biasing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ladders pose issues of reduced stability and foot pain due to skinny steps, which are not effectively addressed by conventional solutions.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary platform for ladder steps, featuring a rectangular platform with a flanged edge and a biasing member, which is secured to the ladder step to enhance stability and comfort by providing a larger surface area and non-slip functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If ladder steps are made skinny to reduce storage size, then storage efficiency is improved, but user stability and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder system is segmented into two functional parts: the compact original ladder steps for storage efficiency, and the detachable auxiliary platform for enhanced stability during use. This allows each component to optimize for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary platform extends the standing surface area in the horizontal dimension, transforming the narrow one-dimensional step into a two-dimensional platform. This dimensional expansion provides stability and comfort without increasing the vertical storage height of the ladder itself.
2Volume of moving object
If ladder steps are made skinny to reduce storage size, then storage efficiency is improved, but foot pain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect on feet is isolated to the compact storage configuration, while the auxiliary platform provides a comfortable surface for actual use. The segmentation allows the ladder to maintain small storage volume while eliminating foot pain during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary platform acts as an intermediary between the user's feet and the narrow ladder step. It provides a comfortable intermediate surface that distributes weight evenly, preventing direct contact between feet and the narrow step that causes pain.
3Volume of moving object
If ladder steps are made skinny to reduce storage size, then storage efficiency is improved, but working duration comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder system separates storage function from working function, allowing extended comfortable work duration on the platform while maintaining compact storage size. The segmentation enables each mode to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary platform serves multiple functions: it provides a comfortable standing surface for extended work, maintains attachment security through biasing members, and allows quick installation and removal. This multi-functionality enhances working duration comfort without compromising storage efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The auxiliary platform increases user stability and reduces foot pain by providing a larger, secure, and non-slip surface for extended periods of use, improving the usability of ladders.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member may be removably connected to the bracing surface. The biasing member is biased against the ladder step and the bracing surface to secure the auxiliary platform to the ladder step
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary platform for a ladder step. The auxiliary platform may include a substantially rectangular and horizontally oriented platform with a platform front negative edge and a platform rear edge hem. The auxiliary platform may further include a substantially flat front surface with a front surface flanged rearward-extending edge, the front surface flanged from the platform front negative edge. Additionally, the auxiliary platform a bracing surface flanged from and extended downward from the platform rear edge hem and oriented substantially parallel to the front surface, and a biasing member removably connected to the bracing surface. When the platform is placed on the ladder step and the biasing member biased against the ladder step and the bracing surface to secure the auxiliary platform to the ladder step.