Ladder Holder With Fixed Angle Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder holders for retaining walls lack the ability to maintain a fixed angle for safer access and stability, and they do not provide a secure means for vertical storage, as they rely on frictional engagement or non-uniform structures which can lead to instability and easy dislodgment.
Innovation Solution
A ladder holder with a mounting portion that includes a support portion with upper and lower slots to maintain a fixed angle relative to the wall, and a storage slot independent of the working slots to securely suspend the ladder vertically, utilizing clamping surfaces and guide surfaces for stable engagement with the retaining wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art ladder holders use frictional engagement or non-uniform structures to attach the ladder, then the device can be mounted to the retaining wall, but the ladder becomes unstable and can be easily dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is divided into separate upper and lower slots that are precisely positioned relative to each other. This segmentation allows each slot to independently engage with the ladder rungs, creating multiple stable contact points that prevent dislodgment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The slots are designed with specific geometric parameters (positioning, orientation, dimensions) that change the engagement characteristics from friction-based to geometry-based constraint. The precise positioning of the upper slot relative to the lower slot creates a fixed angular relationship that stabilizes the ladder at the optimal angle without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If prior art ladder holders do not include angle guidance, then the device structure remains simple, but the ladder cannot be supported at a fixed safe angle
Solution Approach 1:
The upper and lower slots are pre-positioned at specific locations and orientations during manufacturing, establishing the correct ladder angle before the ladder is even installed. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that when the ladder rungs engage the slots, the ladder is automatically positioned at the optimal safe angle without requiring additional angle-adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric arrangement of the slots themselves provides the angle guidance function. The fixed distance and angular relationship between the upper and lower slots create a self-aligning mechanism that guides the ladder into the correct position as the rungs are inserted, eliminating the need for separate angle-guidance components.
3Reliability
If prior art ladder holders lack independent storage slots, then the device structure remains simple, but the ladder cannot be securely stored vertically when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is designed with multiple slots that serve different functions: the upper and lower slots work together for angled working position support, while the independently positioned storage slot enables vertical storage. This multi-functionality allows a single slot system to handle both operational and storage requirements, avoiding the need for separate storage mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage slot is positioned independently from the upper and lower working slots, creating a separate functional dimension. This independent positioning allows the ladder to be stored vertically (different orientation from working position) without interfering with the working slots, enabling secure storage while maintaining the simplicity of a slot-based system.
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder holder for mounting a ladder in an upright orientation relative to a retaining wall is disclosed. The holder includes a mounting portion for coupling in fixed relation to the wall in a mounted position and a support portion supported fixedly on the mounting portion. The mounting portion has a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface that is moveable relative to the first clamping surface. The first and second clamping surfaces frictionally engage the inner and outer surfaces of the top beam of the retaining wall. The support portion has upper and lower rung-receiving slots used in conjunction to mount the ladder on the support portion at a fixed angle relative to the mounting portion. Furthermore, the storage slot suspends the ladder vertically from the support portion independently of the upper and lower slots.