Cylindrical Ladder Carrying Device with Tension Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for carrying ladders are uncomfortable and lead to fatigue and injuries, particularly for professionals who frequently handle ladders, as they require gripping and lifting, which can cause strain on the hands, wrists, and elbows, and do not provide adequate ergonomic support.
Innovation Solution
A releasable, flexible cylindrical ladder accessory that secures to ladders by tensioning under rungs or side rails, allowing for comfortable vertical or horizontal transport by distributing weight evenly and providing a comfortable grip, reducing the risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If ladders are made using thin sheet metal or plastic side rails to decrease weight, then the weight of the ladder is reduced, but the side rail edge contacts the hand along an edge line causing discomfort and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
A cylindrical carrying device acts as an intermediary between the hand and the ladder. The device has a smooth cylindrical outer surface that contacts the hand, eliminating direct contact with sharp ladder edges. The device secures to the ladder through crevices formed by rung side slats and side leg rails, providing a mediator that transfers the load from the hand to the ladder structure in an ergonomic manner.
2Productivity
If conventional carrying methods are used where the hand grips rungs or side rails, then the ladder can be transported, but the weight is dispersed across the hand loading the hand and wrist in an uncomfortable position causing hand disorders
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying device features a cylindrical shape with a smooth curved outer surface that conforms to the natural curvature of the hand. This cylindrical geometry allows the hand to wrap around the device comfortably, distributing the ladder's weight along the palm and fingers rather than concentrating it on specific pressure points. The curved surface eliminates sharp edges that cause discomfort and injury.
3Reliability
If clamping mechanisms are attached to the side rail or rungs, then the ladder can be secured, but a gripping motion is required that allows the ladder to be downwardly weighted on one hand resulting in ladders being dragged
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying device is pre-configured with internal components including a U-channel and tensioning mechanism that automatically engage with the ladder structure. When the device is positioned around the ladder and the hand applies gripping force to the cylindrical exterior, the internal U-channel is forced into the crevices formed by the ladder components, creating automatic securement without requiring separate clamping actions. The tensioning system maintains continuous contact with the ladder.
4Ease of operation
If the ladder is lifted from a standing position for vertical transport, then the hand can center the weight over lifting legs, but heavier ladders present bigger problems during lifting and transporting
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying device extends the functional interface from a one-dimensional hand grip to a two-dimensional cylindrical surface that the hand can wrap around. This dimensional expansion provides a larger contact area between the hand and the carrying device, distributing the weight across the palm and fingers. The cylindrical geometry allows the hand to apply force in multiple directions (radially inward) rather than just vertically downward, improving leverage and reducing strain during heavy ladder transport.
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 solution enables safe and ergonomic carrying of ladders, reducing the risk of hand, wrist, and elbow injuries by distributing weight evenly and providing a comfortable grip, thus minimizing strain and fatigue during transport.
Implementation Method 1
A releasable, flexible cylindrical ladder accessory for carrying a ladder in a safe and ergonomic manner being secured to a ladder by tension
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-cylindrical tubular component with grip component used to carry a ladder distributes the load supported by the user's hand. The ladder carrier device and process increase the contact area of the open longitudinal end or the flat u-channel, of the grip, with the ladder rung or side rails, resulting in a more evenly distributed load. The grip device can be used on both ladder rung and ladder leg supported with tension only, and accommodates hands of a plurality of human operators, and more than one user at a time. Additionally, the ladder may be carried either vertically or horizontally.