Foldable Ladder Hinge Mechanism with Multi-Angle Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ladders lack a secure and efficient mechanism for folding and locking at various angles, limiting their versatility and storage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A foldable ladder design featuring a hinge mechanism with a shifting mechanism and locking pin system, allowing the ladder to be locked at multiple angular positions through a selector pin and recess system, enabling secure folding and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a foldable ladder design is implemented without a secure locking mechanism, then the ladder can be easily folded and unfolded, but the ladder cannot be securely locked at various angles, compromising safety and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism incorporates a self-locking feature where the selector pin automatically engages with recesses at specific angular positions. The spring-loaded locking pin automatically locks the ladder at predetermined angles without requiring additional manual intervention, allowing the ladder to lock itself securely while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The selector pin acts as an intermediary element between the user's folding action and the locking mechanism. It translates the folding motion into automatic engagement with the recesses, mediating between the ease of operation and the secure locking requirement
2Device complexity
If a simple hinge mechanism is used, then the ladder structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the ladder lacks the capability to be locked at multiple angular positions, reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the selector pin, the spring-loaded locking pin, and the recesses positioned at specific angular intervals. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a movable selector pin that can engage different recesses at various angular positions, and a spring-loaded locking pin that provides automatic locking. This dynamic capability enables multiple angular positions without significantly increasing structural complexity
3Device complexity
If no locking mechanism is provided, then the ladder structure remains simple, but the ladder cannot maintain stable angular positions during use, compromising user safety
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking pin provides automatic stabilization by engaging with the selector pin at predetermined angular positions. The spring force ensures positive locking without requiring additional structural complexity or manual intervention to maintain stability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element provides beforehand cushioning by storing elastic potential energy that is released to ensure positive engagement of the locking pin with the selector pin. This pre-loaded spring ensures reliable locking before any potential instability can occur during ladder use
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable ladder has a first ladder portion and a second ladder portion hingedly attached to the first ladder portion by a pair of hinge mechanisms. Each hinge mechanism adapted to lock the first and second ladder portions such that the first ladder portion and the second ladder portion form an angle therebetween. The hinge mechanism has a locking pin to lock the first and second ladder portions at an angular position. Each rung is connected to a column by a connector assembly having first and second release buttons.