Ladder Foot Structure for Stable Folded and Active Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladders, such as those described in JP 2019 070 264 A, suffer from instability when folded, requiring precise manufacturing and failing under heavy loads or with bent stiles, leading to increased space occupation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A ladder foot design with a mounting section, support, and stop mechanism that ensures stable contact with the ground in both active and stowed positions, using elastic materials for improved grip and adjustable contact areas to distribute forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ladder feet use a tongue-and-groove engagement design, then the ladder can be folded compactly for storage, but the ladder becomes unstable and occupies more space when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the foot structure by introducing multiple supports with different orientations and a stop surface, transforming the foot from a simple engagement component to a multi-functional stability device that maintains stability in both folded and unfolded states
Solution Approach 2:
The foot is segmented into multiple functional components: a mounting section, multiple supports (first support oriented parallel to ground, second support inclined relative to first support), and a stop surface. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill specific functions for stability in different positions
2Manufacturing precision
If the tongue-and-groove engagement uses precise manufacturing, then the engagement is reliable, but the design fails under heavy load or with bent stiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a stop surface that engages beforehand to prevent excessive folding and potential damage to the tongue-and-groove engagement. This stop surface acts as a protective element that limits the range of motion and prevents failure under abnormal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The foot is made from elastomeric material, combining the benefits of structural integrity with elastic deformation capability. This material choice allows the foot to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and minor deformations while maintaining reliable engagement
3Area of stationary object
If the foot contact surface is small, then the ladder is compact for storage, but the ladder lacks stability and grips poorly on various surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by orienting supports in different directions (first support parallel to ground, second support inclined) and positioning a stop surface. This dimensional arrangement creates stable engagement in multiple directions while maintaining compact overall footprint
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 maintaining secure footing in various positions, reducing the risk of tipping and damage, while allowing for compact storage and easy handling.
Implementation Method 1
The support can be provided with an interlocking layer of elastic material facing the ground to increase grip and slip resistance. This interlocking layer means that the contact surface of the support does not actually form full surface contact, but rather an interrupted strip contact. The toothing arrangement can be designed to be so elastically flexible that the teeth of the toothing arrangement give way and deform due to the weight of the climbing device or in the presence of an operator, so that each tooth is deformed and forms an elongated surface contact with the substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a foot, in particular a ladder foot, for a climbing device, such as a folding, leaning, step, foot ladder and/or a trestle ladder or a work platform, which can assume an active position with stiles spread apart and a stowed position with stiles approaching each other, comprising a fastening section for attachment to a stile of the climbing device, a support oriented essentially parallel to the ground in the active position, a stop inclined relative to the support, which is designed for contact, in particular, with a surface-level contact with a foot of an opposite stile of the climbing device, which is designed to be identically formed, and a support inclined relative to the support and the stop, which in the stowed position is oriented essentially parallel to the ground and is designed for contact, in particular, with a surface-level contact with the ground.