Ladder Assembly Narrow Surface Receiver Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ladder configurations are not stable when leaned against narrow structures like trees or poles due to their width being greater than the diameter of the structure, leading to wobbling and instability during use.

Innovation Solution

A ladder assembly with a narrow surface receiver that includes a selectively opening arm, tapered opposing walls, and a contoured surface to securely fit and stabilize against narrow surfaces, along with an anchor for securing the proximal end and a string-operated controller for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a common extension ladder is used with a width greater than the diameter of the narrow structure, then the ladder can support the user's weight, but the ladder becomes unstable and wobbles against the narrow structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidstability against narrow structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The ladder is divided into a main body structure and a separate narrow surface receiver component. The narrow surface receiver can be selectively engaged with narrow structures like poles and trees, while the main ladder body maintains its standard width for load bearing. This segmentation allows the ladder to adapt to different structure widths without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The narrow surface receiver is designed with movable arms that can transition between open and closed configurations. When engaging a narrow structure, the arms close around the structure, dynamically adjusting the ladder's footprint to match the narrow surface width, thereby eliminating wobbling while maintaining load bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the ladder width is reduced to match narrow structure diameters, then stability against narrow structures improves, but the ladder can no longer support users effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability against narrow structureVSAvoidload bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ladder system is segmented into a load-bearing main body and a stability-providing narrow surface receiver. The main body retains standard width for structural strength, while the receiver provides the narrow footprint needed for stability on poles and trees.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The narrow surface receiver acts as an intermediary component between the user/ladder and the narrow structure. It transfers the load from the narrow structure to the main ladder body, allowing the narrow structure to support the user indirectly through the receiver mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If existing ladder configurations are modified to fit narrow structures, then stability improves, but the complexity of manufacture and operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability against narrow structureVSAvoidmanufacturing and operational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The narrow surface receiver is designed to be self-adjusting through spring-biased arms that automatically open and close around the narrow structure. The springs provide the force needed for engagement without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, simplifying both manufacturing and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The ladder's effective width parameter is changed dynamically through the narrow surface receiver. By adjusting the receiver's engagement state (open/closed), the ladder transitions between standard width and narrow width configurations without requiring physical modification of the main ladder structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If the narrow surface receiver uses fixed arms, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to variously sized narrow structures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with variously sized narrow structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The arms of the narrow surface receiver are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to open and close around narrow structures of varying diameters. This dynamic capability enables the same receiver to adapt to different structure sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver's arm configuration parameter changes between open and closed states, allowing adaptation to different narrow structure diameters. The spring mechanism enables this parameter change without requiring complex control systems or multiple specialized components for different structure sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10294721B1Ladder for narrow structures

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 JAFARMADAR HOSSEIN

AI summary

Disclosed is a ladder assembly configured for being supported on narrow surfaces. The ladder assembly may include a receiving structure that is configured to receive a narrow structure such as a tree or pole, for safely leaning the ladder assembly against the narrow structure. The assembly may include an arm that is operable between an open and closed position for securing the narrow structure in the receiving structure. The assembly may include an anchor to secure the ladder to a proximal surface that supports the ladder.