Collapsible step stool with a reinforcing support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collapsible step stools lack the structural support to handle greater user and cargo weights, and do not accommodate lateral movement due to their limited top panel dimensions, which can lead to instability and potential collapse under increased load.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible step stool design featuring a support panel member that reinforces the top panel, allowing for a larger surface area that can support both vertical and lateral movement, with the support panel integrated into both the assembled and storage configurations to distribute weight evenly and prevent sagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the top panel dimensions are increased to accommodate lateral movement and provide larger surface area, then the usability and versatility are improved, but the structural stability and weight support capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The top panel is segmented into multiple sections with reinforcing support members positioned between them. This divides the large panel into smaller, more manageable sections that can better support weight while still providing adequate space for lateral movement and cargo placement.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcing support members are added in a third dimension (vertically beneath the top panel) to provide structural strength without reducing the horizontal surface area. This allows the panel to maintain its large dimensions for lateral movement while gaining weight support capability through the added dimensional element.
2Area of stationary object
If the top panel dimensions are increased to provide larger surface area, then the area is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates due to increased span and potential sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The large top panel is divided into smaller sections by reinforcing support members, reducing the unsupported span of each section. This segmentation prevents excessive sagging and maintains structural stability while preserving the overall large surface area for user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcing support members act as intermediary elements between the top panel and the frame structure. These intermediaries provide additional support points that distribute loads and prevent panel sagging, enabling the panel to maintain its large dimensions without compromising stability.
3Strength
If the step stool is designed to support greater weights and lateral movement, then the load capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional reinforcing components
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing support members are merged with the existing frame structure, integrating them into the overall design rather than adding separate, standalone components. This combining approach increases load capacity while minimizing the increase in device complexity by utilizing the existing structural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing support members serve multiple functions: they provide structural strength to support greater weights, prevent panel sagging, and maintain the integrity of the collapsible mechanism. This multi-functionality increases load capacity without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single component achieves multiple objectives.
4Ease of operation
If the step stool maintains collapsibility for storage, then the portability is improved, but the structural reinforcement required for larger panels and greater weight support conflicts with the collapsible design
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing support members are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt their configuration during collapse and storage. This enables the structure to maintain strength and weight support capability in use while transitioning to a compact collapsed state for storage, preserving both portability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing support members are positioned and designed to nest within or alongside other structural components during collapse. This nesting arrangement allows the reinforced structure to maintain its strength characteristics when deployed while minimizing the overall volume during storage, preserving both weight support capability and portability.
Data Source
AI summary
The step stool includes a front frame member, a back frame member, a first side frame member, a top panel having a top front panel and a top back panel, and a support panel member. The top front panel is hinged to the top back panel at a top side middle hinge on the midline of the top panel. The support panel member reinforces the midline of the top panel in the assembled configuration. The base end of the support panel member is aligned with the base ends of the front frame member and back frame member to support the weight on the step stool. The top front panel and the top back panel fold around the support panel in the storage configuration.