Ladder-Mounted Ledge for Stable Tool Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional ladders lack a designated stable work surface, leading to ergonomic challenges, increased risk of falls, and inefficient access to tools and materials.

Innovation Solution

A ladder-mounted tray or ledge with a body that includes slots for holding items and accessory holes for attaching additional compartments, securely attached to the ladder via a support assembly, providing a stable work surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional ladders are used without tool carrying attachments, then the ladder structure remains simple and stable, but users cannot efficiently access tools and materials while positioned on the ladder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to tools and materialsVSAvoidladder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool tray is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently attached to and removed from the ladder. This segmentation allows the tray to provide tool storage functionality while maintaining the simplicity and stability of the original ladder structure when the tray is not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool tray acts as an intermediary component between the user and the tools/materials. By providing a platform that holds tools within easy reach, the tray mediates the interaction between the user and the tools, eliminating the need for the user to constantly descend the ladder to access tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If detachable tool trays are added to ladders, then tool accessibility is improved, but the integration and security of attachment may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool accessibilityVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tray incorporates pre-designed attachment features (slots, openings, or engagement mechanisms) that align with corresponding features on the ladder rungs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the tray is attached, it secures reliably without requiring complex installation procedures or additional fastening steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-securing, where the tray's weight and positioning automatically engage it with the ladder structure. The design may include features like friction-fit connections or gravity-assisted engagement that eliminate the need for separate fastening actions, thereby maintaining both ease of attachment and reliable security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If users carry tools in buckets attached to ladders, then storage capacity is provided, but the center of gravity widens and stability is affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidladder stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The tool tray is designed with a compact, shallow profile that provides adequate tool storage capacity while maintaining a small footprint. By optimizing the local geometry of the tray (depth, width, and reinforcement features), it achieves the necessary storage volume without extending far from the ladder's centerline, thereby preserving ladder stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Quantity of substance

If users reach for tools from buckets at height, then storage is provided, but awkward postures cause strain and potential loss of balance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool storageVSAvoidergonomic access

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool tray is positioned on the ladder at a height and location that places tools within the user's natural reach zone. By elevating the tool storage to the same vertical level as the user's working position, the tray eliminates the need for awkward bending, stretching, or twisting postures, thereby preventing strain and maintaining balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentUS12234689B2Ladder-mounted ledge for holding tools and materials

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 BLAKE DAVID HURAL

AI summary

A ladder-mounted ledge used for holding tools and materials. The ladder-mounted ledge provides a stable work surface, which minimizes the frequency of ascents and descents and facilitates efficient access to the tools and materials while using a ladder. The ladder-mounted ledge reduces the risk of falls during accessing the tools and materials, for example, various work tools, power tools, screwdrivers, and thereof. An embodiment of a first aspect, the ladder-mounted ledge comprises a body having an opening defined therein, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The body is configured to be removably attached to a ladder through the opening, with a ladder head positioned above the top surface of the body and ladder rungs positioned below the bottom surface of the body. The user can use the ladder-mounted ledge according to user preferences and application requirements.