Foldable Ladder Hinge Stops for Horizontal Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable ladders lack structural strength to support loads when used in a horizontal orientation due to hinge joints that do not lock, leading to potential buckling or folding under load.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of stops at hinge joints to limit pivotal movement between ladder segments to 180 degrees, combined with bridge plates that enhance structural rigidity and load-bearing capacity, and use of flame retardant, anti-static polyamide resin for safety in electrical environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hinge joints are made freely pivotable for folding, then portability and foldability are improved, but structural strength and load-bearing capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joints transition from a static locked state during folding to a dynamic constrained state during deployment. The stops allow the joints to pivot freely during folding operations but prevent excessive pivotal movement when deployed, providing the necessary structural support while maintaining foldability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the movement parameter of the hinge joints by introducing stops that limit pivotal movement to 180 degrees. This parameter change allows the joints to maintain flexibility for folding while gaining sufficient rigidity for load-bearing when deployed horizontally or at angles.
2Ease of operation
If hinge joints do not lock, then ease of folding is improved, but stability and resistance to bending deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stops are positioned to preemptively prevent excessive pivotal movement before it can occur. By limiting the range of motion to 180 degrees, the stops counteract the tendency of the side rails to buckle or fold under load, providing preliminary resistance against instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stops act as a protective mechanism that cushions against excessive movement. Rather than allowing the hinge joints to fail under bending loads, the stops provide a predetermined limit that protects the structural integrity of the side rails during deployment.
3Ease of operation
If side rails are made flexible for folding, then portability is improved, but structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side rails exhibit dynamic characteristics, being flexible during folding operations to enable portability, but gaining effective rigidity when deployed due to the 180-degree pivot limitation imposed by the stops. This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to serve both portable and structurally sound functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable ladder has multiple ladder segments that fold and unfold relative to each other. Each ladder segment includes one rung element and multiple side rail sections that unfold for deployment to form box-shaped side rails of the ladder. Adjacent ladder segments are connected to each other by hinge joints. The ladder includes locking features at the hinge joints for preventing relative pivoting movement of adjacent ladder segments by more than about 180 degrees.