Dual-Stage Ladder Rack for Independent Access to Stacked Ladders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder racks on work vehicles do not allow for the vertical arrangement of multiple ladders, necessitating the removal of upper ladders before accessing the bottom ladder, which is inconvenient and potentially dangerous.
Innovation Solution
A dual-stage ladder rack with pivotable lower and upper stages, each equipped with latch assemblies and 4-bar linkage mechanisms, enabling vertical arrangement and independent access to both ladders without removing the upper one.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ladders are stacked vertically on the roof rack, then the quantity of ladders that can be transported is increased, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the bottom ladder cannot be accessed without removing the upper ladder
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder rack is divided into multiple independent levels or stages, with each level capable of holding a ladder separately. The first level holds an upper ladder and the second level holds a lower ladder, allowing independent access to each ladder without removing the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-level horizontal arrangement to a multi-level vertical arrangement. By utilizing the vertical dimension with multiple stages positioned at different heights, the system accommodates multiple ladders while maintaining independent accessibility through separate loading/unloading mechanisms at each level.
2Reliability
If ladders are secured tightly to the roof rack, then the reliability of cargo security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the considerable effort required to tie and untie ladders
Solution Approach 1:
The manual tying and untying operation is replaced by a mechanical loading/unloading system. The mechanism uses levers, pivots, and linkages to automatically secure and release ladders at each level, eliminating the need for manual knot-tying while maintaining secure attachment during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The ladder rack system performs the securing and releasing functions automatically through its mechanical mechanisms. When a ladder is placed on a level, the system self-secures it through the mechanical action of the loading mechanism, and can self-release it during unloading without requiring manual intervention for tying and untying.
3Device complexity
If a single-stage rack design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates because it cannot accommodate vertical arrangement of multiple ladders with independent access
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is segmented into multiple independent stages or levels, each capable of independently holding and managing a ladder. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different ladder configurations and access requirements while maintaining a relatively simple modular structure that can be manufactured and assembled from standardized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual stage vehicle ladder rack permits multiple ladders to be stacked vertically above a vehicle for transport without requiring removal of the top ladder of the stack prior to removal of a lower ladder. A lower stage is movable, independent of an upper stage, between a loading/unloading position and a stowed position.