Hinged Attic Platform for Stable Standing

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a device that reduces the risk of falling from an attic ladder while allowing users to stand on a stable platform for moving or removing items from attics without obstructing the ability to enter or exit via the ladder.

Innovation Solution

An attic standing platform device with a hinged body attached to a mounting bracket, allowing it to be positioned between attic frame members and rotated out of the way when not in use, providing a stable surface and enabling safe access to attic spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a user stands on an attic ladder to move or remove items, then the user can access items in the attic, but the risk of falling increases greatly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidfalling risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate platform structure between the attic ladder and the attic items. This platform serves as a mediator that provides stable footing for users, eliminating the direct hazard of standing on the narrow attic ladder while still enabling access to stored items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a standing platform is added to the attic ladder, then the stability for users is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The standing platform is designed as a separate, modular component that can be attached to or integrated with the attic ladder. This segmentation allows the platform to be independently constructed and then combined with the existing ladder structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The platform structure is designed to serve multiple functions: providing stable footing for users, preventing backward movement onto the ladder, and potentially serving as a storage surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting complexity increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed platform is installed in the attic opening, then the standing stability is improved, but the ability to enter or exit via the ladder is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestanding stabilityVSAvoidladder access

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The platform incorporates movable or adjustable components that allow it to shift position or change configuration. This dynamic design enables the platform to move out of the way when the attic ladder needs to be accessed, while providing stable footing when users are standing on it to retrieve items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240376726A1Attic Standing Platform Device

Publication Date: 2024.11.14 GOLDSTEIN RICK

AI summary

An attic standing platform device is provided. The device is primarily comprised of a body attached to at least one mounting bracket via at least one hinge. The device can be positioned between an opening in the parallel frame members and/or perpendicular frame members of an attic frame. A user can then deploy and stand on the body while moving items or completing tasks in an attic. Therefore, a user need not stand on an unstable attic ladder to complete said tasks.