Drop Down Ladder Rack Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder racks for vehicles are difficult to use for loading and unloading ladders, requiring awkward manipulation and heavy lifting, which can result in damage or injury, and often necessitate adjustments to the rack itself.
Innovation Solution
A drop-down ladder rack system with two assemblies mounted on a vehicle, connected by a connecting rod and an elongated handle, allowing easy raising and lowering through a mechanism involving actuation members and bearing surfaces, facilitating safe and straightforward access to the ladder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ladders are positioned on top of vehicles using conventional racks, then ladders can be transported, but loading and unloading requires heavy lifting and awkward manipulation that can result in damage or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder rack system transitions from a static roof-mounted position to a dynamic drop-down configuration. The assemblies can be lowered from the raised position on top of the vehicle to a lowered position at the side, allowing the ladder to be accessed and removed without heavy lifting. The actuation members enable controlled movement between positions, making the system adaptable to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation members serve as intermediary mechanisms between the user and the heavy ladder load. By operating the actuation members, users can lower the assemblies and thereby the ladder, transferring the heavy lifting task to the mechanical advantage provided by the actuation system rather than requiring direct manual lifting.
2Ease of operation
If conventional roof-mounted racks are used, then ladders can be secured on the vehicle, but accessing the ladder requires lowering it manually which is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows rapid transition between raised and lowered positions through the actuation members. When access is needed, the assemblies can be quickly lowered from the raised transport position to the lowered access position, significantly reducing the time required to access the ladder compared to manual lowering methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second assemblies are operatively coupled through the connecting rod, allowing them to be actuated simultaneously as a unified system. This merging of the two assemblies means that a single actuation action lowers both sides of the rack together, reducing the time and effort required compared to manipulating each side separately.
3Ease of manufacture
If the ladder rack uses a simple mounting system, then installation is easy, but the mechanism for raising and lowering becomes complex requiring manipulation of the rack itself
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder rack is divided into separate modular assemblies (first assembly and second assembly) that can be independently mounted to the vehicle. Each assembly includes its own support member, load carrying member, and actuation member, allowing for simplified individual mounting while providing complete raising and lowering functionality through the connecting rod that couples the assemblies.
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 system simplifies the loading and unloading of ladders by enabling easy movement between raised and lowered positions, reducing strain and risk of damage, while maintaining secure ladder placement.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing member coupled to the first end, a second member configured to engage with the first member
Data Source
AI summary
A drop down ladder rack is disclosed. The ladder rack has a first assembly and a second assembly configured to be mounted on top of a vehicle. The assemblies are coupled to a connecting rod, which is rotatable. The assemblies move between a first, raised position and a second, lowered position. Each of the first and second assemblies comprises a first support member fixedly secured to the vehicle, a second load carrying member configured to be slideably engaged with a first end of the first support member, and a third actuation member configured to enable the second load carrying member to move with respect to the first support member. A first end of the third actuation member is connected to the connecting rod by a drive rod and a second end of the third actuation member is pivotably connected to the second load carrying member, thereby enabling the second load carrying member to move with respect to the first support member. The first assembly further comprises a downwardly extending arm attached to the second load carrying member to lower the first assembly to a third, fully extended position.