Foot-Deployed Retractable Step Stool for Hands-Free Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing step stools require manual handling and repositioning, contaminating users' hands and lacking storage trays, especially for children and small individuals who need vertical reach assistance, and do not facilitate easy floor cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A retractable step stool with a horizontal upper platform that can be deployed and retracted using the foot, utilizing internal stored energy mechanisms like torsion springs or gas springs, and incorporating a base storage tray for loose items, allowing for hands-free operation and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling is used to deploy and retract the step stool, then the device can be positioned, but the user's hands become contaminated and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The step stool is designed to deploy and retract automatically using stored mechanical energy from spring mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual handling. The system serves itself by converting potential energy to kinetic energy to perform the positioning action, thereby preventing hand contamination and simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms are pre-loaded with stored energy during manufacturing or initial setup, enabling the step stool to deploy and retract without requiring manual intervention during actual use. This preliminary preparation of energy allows the device to perform its function autonomously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the step stool is stored under the sink, then it is easily accessible, but no storage tray is provided for loose items
Solution Approach 1:
The step stool integrates a storage tray as part of its base structure, combining two functions (step support and item storage) into a single unified device. This merging allows the step stool to provide both elevation assistance and storage capability without requiring separate components, thereby increasing versatility while managing complexity through functional integration.
3Ease of operation
If the step stool requires manual repositioning, then it can be moved, but floor cleaning is hindered by the need to manually return it to storage
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-powered mechanism automatically retracts the step stool to its stored position under the sink after use, eliminating the need for manual repositioning. This self-service capability reduces the time and effort required to return the device to storage, facilitating easier floor cleaning and maintenance.
4Ease of operation
If a horizontal platform is maintained during deployment, then access is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step stool employs dynamic linkages and pivot points that automatically maintain the platform in a horizontal position during deployment and retraction. These mechanical elements adjust their configuration based on the device's state, ensuring platform stability while the underlying mechanism handles the complexity of motion control.
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
Enables hands-free deployment and retraction of the step stool, maintaining a horizontal position for access while providing a storage tray for items, enhancing hygiene and floor maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
internal stored energy mechanisms provide assistance to a user, especially small children, for ease of vertically repositioning the device to the retracted position
Implementation Method 2
internal stored energy mechanisms like torsion springs or gas springs
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable step stool assembly for assisting a person in elevating him or herself above a floor includes a base member, a step stool member which in an upright position has a generally horizontal platform surface and two side members which depend downwardly from opposite ends of the platform surface, and an arm assembly which is configured to pivotally connect the step stool member to the base member for movement of the step stool member between a stored position in which the step stool member is positioned over the base member to a deployed position in which the step stool member is positioned on the floor in front of the base member. The arm assembly is configured such that the platform surface remains generally horizontal during movement of the step stool member between the stored position and the deployed position. The step stool member includes an upwardly directed foot-engaging member which is engageable by the bottom of the person's foot and is configured to transfer at least an initial downwardly directed force from the person's foot into movement of the step stool member from the stored position toward the deployed position. In this manner, the person can move the step stool member from the stored position to the deployed position by engaging the foot-engaging member with only his or her foot.