Collapsible Stair with Foldable Ramp for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stair and ramp solutions do not efficiently provide a compact, versatile, and accessible means for individuals, pets, and children to reach elevated areas, as they often require complex assembly, limited storage, and inadequate height adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible stair ramp system with nested steps and a rotatable ramp that shares a common footprint in the closed position, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and adjustable height settings, enabling users to transition seamlessly between stair and ramp positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate stair and ramp devices are provided to meet different access needs, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a stair device and a ramp device into a single integrated structure. The ramp is hinged to the stair assembly, allowing it to be folded against the stairs when not in use. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate stair and ramp devices, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The stair-ramp assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be used as stairs alone, as a ramp alone, or with the ramp folded against the stairs. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate stair and ramp devices, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a ramp is permanently attached to stairs, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and storage efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is connected to the stairs via a hinge joint rather than a permanent rigid attachment. This dynamic connection allows the ramp to be folded against the stairs when not needed, enabling compact storage and versatile configuration. The hinge provides sufficient structural stability during use while allowing adaptability when the ramp is folded.
3Strength
If steps are made with solid construction for durability, then strength and reliability are improved, but weight and ease of mobility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The steps are constructed with a hollow box structure rather than solid material. This hollow construction significantly reduces the weight of each step, making the entire stair-ramp assembly more portable and easier to maneuver, while the box structure maintains sufficient strength and durability for its intended use.
4Volume of moving object
If a collapsible stair structure is used to reduce storage space, then storage efficiency is improved, but structural stability and load-bearing capacity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible steps are designed to nest within each other when folded, with each step containing the next smaller step. This nesting arrangement minimizes the storage volume of the assembly while maintaining structural integrity. The nested configuration allows the steps to collapse compactly without compromising the strength of individual step components.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible stair with foldable ramp can include a first step, and a second step nestable within the first step such that when the collapsible stair is in a closed position the second step is aligned with the first step and when the collapsible stair is in an open position a lateral offset between the second step and the first step is increased. A third step can be nestable within the first step such that when the collapsible stair is in a closed position the third step is aligned with the second step and is in an open position a lateral offset between the third step and the second step is increased. A ramp can be rotatably coupled to the first step to rotate from a stair position to a ramp position, wherein the ramp position comprises the second step and the third step being covered by the ramp.