Foldable Stairs With Movable Step For Thick Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable stairs struggle when mounted in ceilings with thick thermal insulation, as they require extending the step pitch to accommodate the increased frame height, leading to inefficiencies in space usage and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a movable step pivotally connected to the internal surface of the frame, supported by a hinged mechanism or supporting elements, allowing the uppermost segment's stringers to cross the movable step's center, maintaining the standard step pitch and facilitating easier access by aligning with the frame's geometry, and includes a spring mechanism for counterbalancing weight and a tie rod arrangement for controlled opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the frame wall height is increased to accommodate thick thermal insulation ceilings, then the adaptability to different ceiling conditions is improved, but the step pitch of the stairs must be extended which worsens the ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The stair structure is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned. The movable step can be placed at different positions along the stair segments, allowing the step pitch to be adjusted independently of the frame wall height, thus maintaining comfortable step dimensions while adapting to deep ceilings.
Solution Approach 2:
The step is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned along the stair segments. This dynamic configuration enables the step pitch to be optimized for user comfort while the overall stair structure adapts to different frame depths required by thick thermal insulation ceilings.
2Ease of operation
If a movable step is added to the stair structure, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable step mechanism is integrated with the existing stair segments and support structures. The step connects to the frame and stair segments through existing hinge and support mechanisms, merging the mobility function into the overall structure without adding separate complex subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable step is designed to be easily repositioned by the user without requiring complex control systems or additional actuators. The step's movement is facilitated by the existing mechanical structure, allowing users to adjust it independently, thus improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the uppermost stairs segment is attached to the cover at the bottom of the frame, then the stability of the closed state is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional hinge mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism connecting the uppermost stair segment to the cover is integrated with the existing hinge connections between stair segments and the frame. This merging of hinge functions reduces the number of separate hinge mechanisms required, maintaining closed state stability while minimizing additional complexity.
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
This configuration enhances user convenience by maintaining the standard step pitch, reducing pressure on the frame, and providing a more efficient folding mechanism that counterbalances the stairs' weight, making them more convenient for use and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The stairs can also be provided with a mechanism, preferably a spring mechanism, that supports lifting up of folded stairs to the stairs closed state and at least partially counterbalances the weight of the stairs during opening thereof.
Implementation Method 2
the movable step is supported by hinged connectors coupling the uppermost stairs segment, preferably stringers of this segment, with the movable step
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to foldable stairs comprising stairs segments movable with relation to each other, where the uppermost stairs segment (3) is attached to the cover (2) connected by means of a hinge mechanism with the frame (1 ) mounted in a ceiling. The stairs are provided with a movable step (4) pivotally connected to the internal surface of the wall of the frame (1 ) and supported by at least one supporting element connected with the cover (2). In one embodiment the movable step (4) is supported by hinged connectors (5) that in the opened state of the stairs are preferably substantially aligned with the stringers of the uppermost stairs segment (3). In the closed state of the stairs positioned in the frame, the tread (41 ) of the movable step (4) is preferably positioned substantially vertically inside the frame (1 ) in a close proximity of the frame wall.