Foldable Dual Track Ladder System for Narrow Aisles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder systems for narrow aisles in stores and warehouses are too wide, making it difficult for employees to pass, and often have complex and bulky overhead roller structures that inhibit lateral movement and accessibility to end shelves.
Innovation Solution
A compact ladder system with a guide track, roller structure, mounting plate, pivot, and latch mechanism that allows the ladder to fold against a shelf when not in use, reducing aisle width and enabling longitudinal movement along the aisle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dual track ladder system is used in narrow aisles, then employees can access elevated objects, but the ladder system occupies too much aisle width making it difficult for employees to pass
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder system is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a deployed position for accessing elevated objects and a retracted position against the shelf for clear aisle passage. The roller structure enables the ladder to move longitudinally along the aisle while maintaining attachment to the shelf system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large overhead roller structure with two lateral rods is used, then the ladder can move laterally between shelves, but the roller structure becomes bulky and difficult to ship or store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the second lateral rod from the overhead roller structure, extracting only the essential component needed for lateral movement. This simplification reduces the volume and complexity of the roller structure while maintaining the ability to move the ladder laterally between shelves, and eliminates the need for complex welding assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a long roller structure with two lateral rods is used, then the ladder can accommodate wide aisles, but the ladder cannot travel to the ends of the aisles since the guide tracks do not extend beyond the shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The roller structure is designed with a compact configuration that allows it to travel longitudinally along the guide tracks to the ends of the aisle. The simplified single lateral rod structure reduces the overall length requirement, enabling the ladder to reach positions at the aisle ends where guide tracks are available.
4Productivity
If additional roller structures are added for lateral movement, then the ladder can move quickly between shelves, but the system becomes unnecessarily complex for most applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential lateral movement capability by using a single lateral rod rather than two, eliminating unnecessary complexity while preserving the ability to move the ladder between shelves. This simplified structure is easier to manufacture, ship, and maintain while still providing the required functionality for most storage aisle applications.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed ladder system may be disposed in a store, warehouse, library, or similar facility where two storage shelves form an aisle. The ladder can be pivotally attached to a roller structure that moves along a length of the aisle on a guide track. The guide track may be disposed along sides of the storage shelves. The roller structure may be formed by a lateral rod extending between and coupled to two roller carriages. Further, because the ladder is pivotally attached to the roller structure, the ladder may fold substantially out of the aisle when the ladder is not in use.