Collapsible Bow Ladder with Pivoting Bracket for Trailer Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing the bow of a boat on a trailer is difficult and often results in getting wet, as conventional boat ladders are designed for water access and not suitable for trailer-based scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible ladder assembly with an attachment bracket and pivotally connected side rails that can be rotated and adjusted for optimal positioning on a trailer, allowing easy access to the boat bow without requiring tools and featuring a non-skid surface for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional boat ladder is used, then water access is facilitated, but access to the bow on a trailer becomes difficult and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder incorporates a collapsible design where the side rails can be pivoted relative to each other, transforming from an extended configuration for use to a collapsed configuration for storage and transport. This dynamic structure allows the ladder to adapt between providing full access when needed and minimizing space when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The ladder is divided into modular components including side rails, rungs, and an attachment bracket assembly that can be independently positioned. The side rails are segmented with pivotal connections allowing them to be adjusted and collapsed separately, enabling easy storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed ladder is used, then structural stability is provided, but adaptability to different trailer configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment bracket assembly includes pivotal connections that allow the ladder to be rotated and positioned at different angles relative to the trailer. This dynamic positioning capability enables the ladder to adapt to various trailer configurations and boat positions without requiring multiple different ladder structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment bracket is designed to accommodate different trailer types and configurations through its pivotal and adjustable features. The same bracket assembly can secure the ladder to various trailer frames and allow positioning for different boat sizes and types, making the system universally applicable.
3Ease of operation
If the ladder is extended for use, then access to the bow is enabled, but storage space is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The side rails are designed to pivot relative to each other, allowing the ladder to collapse from its extended operational length down to a compact storage configuration. This dynamic collapse mechanism reduces the volume occupied during storage while maintaining full access capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
When collapsed, the side rails nest against each other with the rungs positioned within the collapsed structure, creating a compact package that minimizes storage space. The modular components fit together efficiently in the collapsed state, similar to nested dolls.
Data Source
AI summary
In an first aspect, a ladder for mounting on a vehicle trailer includes an attachment bracket assembly for mounting on the trailer; a first side rail; a second side rail parallel to the first side rail; and a plurality of rungs pivotally connected to both the first and second side rails. The ladder is collapsible to decrease a distance between the first and second side rails. In a second aspect, a ladder for mounting on a vehicle trailer includes an attachment bracket; a first side rail; a second side rail parallel to the first side rail; a plurality of rungs connecting the first and second side rails; and a pivotal connection. The first and second side rails define a plane and the pivotal connection allows for rotation of the plane about a vertical axis. The pivotal connection is disposed between the attachment bracket and the first side rail.