Step Ladder Pivot Lock Mechanism for One-Handed Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder pivot locking systems require two hands and good hand-eye coordination to unlock and lock the relative positions of ladder sections, making it cumbersome and inefficient for single-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A single-hand-operated lockable pivot arrangement with a housing, end housings, and a sliding lock mechanism using elastomeric bias elements allows one-handed actuation, enabling quick and safe configuration of ladder sections into various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional pivot locking arrangement with locking members is used, then the ladder sections can be locked at predetermined angles, but two hands and good hand-eye coordination are required to operate the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate locking members (580A and 508B) into a single integrated locking mechanism. The first locking member (580A) on the pivot and the second locking member (508B) on the press axle work together as a unified system where actuating one component automatically engages or disengages both locking members simultaneously, enabling single-handed operation while maintaining secure locking at predetermined angles
Solution Approach 2:
The press axle (500) serves as an intermediary element that connects and coordinates the operation of both locking members. When the user actuates the press axle, it simultaneously moves both locking members (580A and 508B) to engage or disengage from their respective apertures, eliminating the need for coordinated two-handed operation while ensuring both locking points are engaged
2Ease of operation
If locking members are forced outward against spring bias to unlock, then the pivot can rotate freely, but the requiring maintaining pushing force against bias makes operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed so that the spring (520) automatically returns the locking members to their locked position after actuation. When the user releases the press axle, the spring bias automatically pushes the locking members back into engagement with the apertures, eliminating the need for the user to maintain continuous pushing force and enabling easy one-handed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The operation follows a periodic cycle: the user applies force to actuate the press axle and disengage locking members, then releases the force and the spring automatically restores the locking members to engaged position. This periodic actuation pattern allows easy operation without requiring sustained force application
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and single-handed adjustment of ladder sections into multiple predetermined angles and configurations, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric bias element acting to bias the two lock members and respective free ends and actuators away from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder is disclosed which has a lockable pivot arrangement. The lockable pivot arrangement is located and connected between two elongate ladder sections. Inside each pair of end housings there are at least two receptacles. A pivot mechanism connects between the end housings and the end housings rotate in unison and also allow the pair of end housings to rotate relative to the housing. A lock mechanism within the housing has at least two lock members each with an actuator and each actuator having a free end. There is an elastomeric bias element acting to bias the two lock members and respective free ends and actuators away from each other, and the two actuators when biased apart are positioned so as to allow for one-handed actuation against the bias to unlock the rotation of the housing.