Foldable Iron Ladder Flanged Edge Welding Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable ladders exhibit instability due to platforms being connected to leg pipes through single-point force, leading to shaking and reduced consumer satisfaction, especially as the center of gravity increases when users climb.
Innovation Solution
A foldable iron ladder design featuring pivotally connected leg pipes, a stand platform, and climbing platforms with a flanged edge welded to the front leg pipes, supported by a connecting rod and elastic locking buckle, ensuring stability and safety by distributing weight and preventing shaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If platforms are simply connected to leg pipes through connecting pieces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability of the ladder deteriorates due to single-point force connection causing shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple support points instead of a single connecting piece. The platform is supported at multiple locations along the leg pipes, distributing the load and eliminating the single-point force connection that caused shaking. This segmentation maintains relative simplicity while dramatically improving stability.
2Length of moving object
If the center of gravity increases when users climb up, then the ladder can reach higher positions, but the shaking and instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a splayed configuration of leg pipes that creates a wider base of support as the ladder extends upward. This geometric counterweight effect compensates for the increased center of gravity, maintaining stability even at higher climbing positions. The splayed legs act as a natural counterbalancing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a vertical single-point connection to a distributed multi-point connection system that spans multiple dimensions. By connecting platforms to leg pipes at multiple points along their length rather than at single locations, the structure gains dimensional stability that counteracts the destabilizing effect of increased height and center of gravity.
3Reliability
If flanged edge is welded to front leg pipes, then the welding space increases forming elongated welding line, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flanged edges are pre-formed on the platforms before assembly, creating ready-to-weld protruding surfaces. This preliminary preparation of welding surfaces eliminates the need for complex positioning and alignment during the welding process, maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring reliable elongated weld lines.
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 enhances stability and safety by distributing weight through a connecting rod and elastic locking buckle, preventing platform shaking and ensuring user safety across all platforms, even when the center of gravity increases.
Implementation Method 1
The flanged edge is welded to the two front leg pipes
Implementation Method 2
a rear side of a bottom portion of the stand platform is disposed with an elastic rotating locking buckle, and the elastic rotating locking buckle is locked to the connecting rod when the stand platform is in the opened state
Implementation Method 3
Each of the two front leg pipes and a corresponding one of the two rear leg pipes on a same side are pivotally connected to each other in a splayed shape
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable iron ladder comprises two front leg pipes, two rear leg pipes, a stand platform, and a climbing platform. Two sides of a front portion of the stand platform are pivotally connected to the two front leg pipes. Two sides of a middle portion of the stand platform are pivotally connected to first ends of two connecting pieces. Second ends of the two connecting pieces are pivotally connected to the two rear leg pipes. The climbing platform is located below the stand platform. The climbing platform is connected between the two front leg pipes. The climbing platform comprises a flanged edge extending along all sides thereof in an enclosed shape and extending downward greater than 2 centimeters. The climbing platform and the two front leg pipes are made of iron and are welded together. When in an opened state, the stand platform and the climbing platform are horizontally arranged.