Central-Mast Modular Ladder With Folding Steps for Stable Climbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladders for outdoor use, such as climbing trees and steep rock formations, face challenges with stability on irregular surfaces and are cumbersome to carry in their extended configuration.
Innovation Solution
A modular ladder with a central column and pivotally mounted steps that fold up for storage and deploy nearly perpendicular for climbing, featuring integral loops for anchoring and a removable foot piece for stability, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a ladder is designed for outdoor use on irregular surfaces, then stability is improved, but the ladder becomes cumbersome and difficult to carry in extended configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder is divided into multiple modular segments that can be connected together. Each segment contains a central mast with pivotally mounted steps, allowing the ladder to be assembled in various configurations and easily disassembled for transport, resolving the contradiction between stability on irregular surfaces and ease of carrying.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a ladder is designed for outdoor use on irregular surfaces, then stability is improved, but the bulk and volume increase making it difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The steps are pivotally mounted to the central mast, allowing them to fold upward against the mast when not in use. This dynamic configuration reduces the overall bulk and volume of the ladder for transport while maintaining the same stable structure when deployed on irregular surfaces.
3Volume of moving object
If the steps are folded up to minimize bulk, then transportability is improved, but the steps need secure retention in the stowed position
Solution Approach 1:
The steps utilize their own weight (gravity) to maintain the folded-up stowed position against the central mast. This self-service mechanism provides secure retention without requiring additional complex locking mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between minimized bulk and reliable retention.
4Ease of operation
If the ladder is made modular for easy assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but the connection mechanisms become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanisms for assembling the modular segments are integrated into the central mast structure itself. By merging the connection function with the existing mast structure rather than adding separate complex joining devices, the patent achieves easy tool-free assembly while minimizing additional complexity.
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 modular design provides improved stability and ease of use on irregular surfaces while minimizing bulk and weight, ensuring secure footing and easy transport.
Implementation Method 1
The steps are held frictionally in the stowed position
Implementation Method 2
held by gravity in a deployed position when nearly perpendicular to the central mast
Data Source
AI summary
A modular ladder having a single, central column for supporting radiating steps is shown and described. Steps are pivotally mounted on the central column to generate attachable modules. The steps fold up to a stowed position to minimize bulk when the ladder is not in use, and fold down to a nearly but not quite perpendicular position to facilitate climbing. The steps are held frictionally in the stowed position and by gravity in a deployed position when nearly perpendicular to the central mast. The ladder has a removable foot module for stability when propping the ladder on the ground. Each module bearing steps includes an integral loop for attachment of anchoring straps when desired.