Collapsible Bilevel Platform Assembly with Nested Storage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ladders and stools are cumbersome, difficult to maneuver, and pose safety risks due to their bulkiness and limited support area, requiring frequent adjustments and tool retrieval, which can lead to injuries and inefficiencies during tasks on elevated areas.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible bilevel platform assembly with pivoting support legs and a connector system that allows for deployment as a wider support area and collapse for compact storage and transport, featuring a nested design and a carry handle for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional ladder or stool is used to reach elevated areas, then the user can access high areas, but the device is bulky and difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The lower platform is designed to nest within the upper platform when the assembly is collapsed, significantly reducing the storage volume while maintaining the functionality of both platforms when deployed
2Reliability
If a traditional ladder is used, then the user can reach elevated areas, but the support area is small and the user cannot adjust position, leading to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into two separate platforms (upper and lower) that can be independently positioned, providing multiple support areas and allowing the user to safely move between different heights without climbing
3Productivity
If a traditional ladder is used, then the user can access elevated areas, but frequent adjustments and tool retrieval require climbing up and down, increasing injury risk and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is pre-configured with pivotally connected supporting members that automatically maintain the platforms in the correct deployed position, eliminating the need for frequent manual adjustments and allowing tools to be placed on the lower platform for easy access
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 collapsible platform assembly provides a safer, more stable, and wider support area while reducing storage and transport space, minimizing the risk of injury and improving task efficiency by allowing users to access high areas with greater convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a connector assembly that connects the lower platform to the upper platform via multiple pivotally connected supporting members
Implementation Method 2
the lower platform is smaller than the upper platform, allowing the lower platform to nest within the upper platform when the assembly is collapsed
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible platform assembly includes an upper platform having a perimeter wall, a top surface, and a plurality of pivoting support legs, and a lower platform having a perimeter wall, a top surface, and a plurality of pivoting support legs. A connector assembly connects the lower platform to the upper platform. The connector assembly is configured to provide adjustability of the collapsible platform assembly between a deployed configuration with the upper and lower platforms separated and a collapsed configuration with the top surface of the lower platform nesting within the perimeter wall of the upper platform. When deployed, the collapsible platform assembly provides two elevated platforms that can support a user to reach high areas. When collapsed, the platform assembly reduces in size with the lower platform nesting within the upper platform for compact storage and easy transport.