Ladder Crawler With Spring-Loaded Rollers and Rung Pawls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder systems lack an efficient and safe method to provide users with convenient access to tools and materials while working at heights, as current devices obstruct the ladder path, clutter the area, and require users to carry items up and down, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A ladder crawler that attaches to a ladder leg, allowing it to slide and lock into position, featuring sprockets to engage rungs for stability and a trolley with a platform, tool hook, and electrical outlets, ensuring secure and adjustable positioning without obstructing the user's path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trays or bucket hangers are used to hold materials and tools, then tools and materials can be held within reach, but the path up the ladder is obstructed and the area around the user is cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a support structure attached to the ladder, and a movable platform that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows the support structure to remain compact and non-obstructive while the platform provides accessible workspace when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed to move along the ladder leg in the vertical dimension, allowing it to be positioned at different heights without requiring horizontal space. This vertical movement enables tool access without cluttering the horizontal workspace around the user.
2Ease of operation
If the top platform is used to hold tools and material, then tools can be held within reach, but the platform is easily disturbed as the user works near the top
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed as a dynamic component that can be locked into position at various heights along the ladder leg. This allows the user to secure the platform at an optimal working height where it will be more stable and less likely to be disturbed during work.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the platform and the ladder leg, providing stable attachment points. This mediator ensures the platform remains firmly positioned while allowing easy adjustment when needed.
3Ease of operation
If users carry tools and materials up the ladder for placement on support, then tools can be held within reach, but the user must climb up and down carrying items which is dangerous and tiring
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is pre-positioned at the desired working height before the user begins work. This preliminary action eliminates the need for the user to repeatedly climb up and down with tools, as everything is already within reach at the start of the task.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service by providing a self-contained platform that moves with the ladder. The platform automatically remains accessible as the user works at different heights, eliminating the need for manual tool transport.
4Ease of operation
If a work support slides along the ladder leg to lock in position, then tools and materials can be positioned at predetermined heights, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex mechanical locking systems are replaced with simpler spring-loaded or gravity-based locking mechanisms. The platform uses the weight of tools and materials to engage with locking features on the ladder leg, eliminating the need for complex actuators or motors.
Solution Approach 2:
Simple, inexpensive locking features are used instead of expensive, complex mechanisms. The locking system uses basic mechanical elements that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, reducing overall device 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
Enables users to work on ladders with tools and materials at convenient heights without climbing, enhancing safety by maintaining unobstructed access and reducing the need to carry items, while providing a secure and adjustable work platform.
Implementation Method 1
The spring loaded attachment is adapted to urge the top rollers to bear against the front of the ladder leg and the back rollers to bear against the back of the ladder leg
Implementation Method 2
The sprocket may be attached to a respective roller axle but does not rotate with the roller. The locking tab may be adapted to engage the locking bar in the locked position thereby holding pawl in a fixed position
Implementation Method 3
The front pawl may be adapted to engage a ladder rung to hold trolley in place along ladder leg. Front pawl, held in place by locking tab, is adapted to prevent rung from passing through the rung gap
Data Source
AI summary
The ladder crawler for use with a ladder comprises C-shaped ladder leg engagement having a support platform and a ladder rung engagement portion adapted to removably attach to a ladder leg. The C-shaped ladder leg engagement may comprise front rollers adapted to ride on the front side of a ladder leg and back rollers adapted to bear against the back side of a the ladder leg. The support platform is attached to the C-shaped ladder leg engagement in spaced relation to the ladder rungs. The rung engagement portion comprises a plurality of pawls disposed adjacent to an inside of the ladder leg. At least one of the plurality of pawls may be adapted to engage a ladder rung to hold the work platform adjacent to the rung when in a locked orientation.