Fixed Ladder Hook Locking Cam to Prevent Slip-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid ladders, commonly used in bunk beds and camping vehicles, lack stability due to their non-self-supporting nature and existing solutions like hook-shaped protuberances are inadequate as they can slip out under vibrations or forces, posing safety risks, especially for children and in unstable environments.
Innovation Solution
A locking system comprising a hook member with a restraining block and a pivotable locking cam that securely fastens the hook member to a vertical surface, preventing accidental disengagement by adjusting the cam's angular position, ensuring stability without increasing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hook shaped protuberances are used at the top ends of the ladder, then the ladder can be bound to a top edge of a vertical surface, but the hook shaped end can slip out under hits, vibrations, or vertical forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cam is designed to be pivotable relative to the ladder, allowing it to dynamically adjust between a locked position (where it prevents hook disengagement) and an unlocked position. This dynamic mechanism responds to forces applied to the ladder, maintaining reliability while preserving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cam acts as an intermediary element between the hook member and the restraining block. It mediates the connection by providing a controllable locking action that prevents the hook from slipping out of the restraining block under various forces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hook shaped protuberances are used to bind the ladder, then the ladder gains some stability, but it requires a top edge of the vertical support surface thin enough to be caught by the hook
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system with the locking cam and restraining block provides a universal solution that works with various vertical surfaces regardless of edge thickness. The system adapts to different surface types (walls, doors, partitions) making the ladder versatile for multiple applications without requiring specific surface characteristics.
3Reliability
If a locking system with locking cam is added to prevent hook slipping, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking cam, the restraining block, and the hook member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain while achieving high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cam is designed to be manually operable by the user, allowing them to engage and disengage the locking mechanism as needed. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rigid ladder which comprises at top ends hook shaped members (10) for being hung to a top edge of a vertical surface is provided with a locking system comprising a restraining block (20) which can be firmly connected to the vertical wall for housing said hook shaped member (10) and a locking cam (30) which secures the hook member (10) in its housing. The locking system is very simple and it allows the very safe use of the ladder.