Folding Ladder Magnetic Locking Mechanism for Lift Shaft Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding ladders lack sufficient stability and safety when used to access lift shaft cavities, and they do not effectively reduce occupied space when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A folding ladder design featuring U-shaped side rails with pivotally attached rungs that can be easily folded and locked in a closed configuration using magnetic and mechanical retention means, enhancing stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ladder is designed to be laterally folded to reduce occupied space, then the space efficiency is improved, but the stability and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, allowing the ladder structure to dynamically transition between folded and extended states while maintaining stability when extended through the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the first and second side rails, providing a mechanical connection that ensures stability when the ladder is extended while allowing compact folding when retracted
2Device complexity
If the locking member is composed of two articulated arms hinged together, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability is worsened due to potential pivoting beyond locking position
Solution Approach 1:
The stop is positioned to prevent the two articulated arms from pivoting relative to each other beyond the locking position, providing a preliminary constraint that maintains stability while preserving the simplicity of the articulated arm design
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 design provides increased stability and safety by maintaining the ladder in a secure, locked position when not in use, while also efficiently reducing occupied space.
Implementation Method 1
The folding ladder is retained in its closed configuration thanks to the presence of a pair of magnetic elements arranged on the side rails, which are magnetically coupled together
Data Source
AI summary
Folding ladder (1), in particular for accessing the cavity of a lift shaft comprising: a first side rail (2) and a second side rail (3) that are parallel; a plurality of rungs (10); a stop (15) located on the first side rail (2); a locking member (16) located on the second side rail (3); a locking arm (34) having a first end portion (34a) pivotally attached to the first side rail (2) and a second end portion (34b) that is movable between an unlocking position in which it is magnetically coupled to the stop (15) so that the locking arm (34) abuts the first side rail (2), and a locking position in which it is magnetically coupled to the locking member (16) so that the locking arm (34) is diagonally arranged with respect to both the side rails (2, 3).