Folding Ladder Platform with Expanding Plug Rung Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder accessories are often complex, difficult to carry, and do not securely attach to ladders, making it hard to hold tools and materials at elevated locations while maintaining balance and stability.
Innovation Solution
A compact utility platform with a secure rung attachment mechanism that folds vertically and uses an expanding plug to attach to the ladder's rung, allowing for self-leveling and easy carrying, featuring a fingered rung grip and handle arm for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior ladder accessories are used, then tools and materials can be held at elevated locations, but the accessories are complex and difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The utility platform is divided into separate functional components: a platform body, an attachment mechanism with expanding plugs, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall structure compared to integrated complex designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be detached and stored separately when not in use. The expanding plugs can be removed from the platform body, reducing the carried volume and making the platform more portable while maintaining full functionality when assembled.
2Ease of operation
If prior ladder accessories are used, then tools and materials can be held at elevated locations, but the accessories are difficult to assemble and attach to a ladder
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding plugs automatically expand when inserted into the rung to engage the ladder structure, and the platform utilizes its own weight and the ladder's structure to secure itself without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical expansion of the plugs replaces complex threaded fasteners or multiple fastening steps. The simple insertion motion triggers automatic expansion through material elasticity, substituting a multi-step mechanical assembly process with a single-action system.
3Ease of operation
If prior ladder platforms are used, then tools and materials can be supported, but the platforms are difficult to level and use
Solution Approach 1:
The platform achieves self-leveling by positioning the attachment point above the platform's center of gravity, creating a natural stabilizing effect where the platform automatically orients itself horizontally when attached to the ladder rung.
Solution Approach 2:
The center of gravity is positioned directly below the attachment point, creating a stable equilibrium position where the platform naturally levels itself. This gravitational equipotential configuration eliminates the need for adjustable leveling mechanisms.
4Reliability
If prior ladder accessories are used, then tools and materials can be held at elevated locations, but the accessories are not securely attached to the ladder
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism changes the physical state of the plugs from compressed (during insertion) to expanded (during engagement). This parameter change in volume and shape creates a secure friction fit within the rung, providing reliable attachment without complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The expanding plugs are made from elastomeric or foam materials that combine flexibility for easy insertion with expansion capability for secure engagement. This material selection provides both the compliance needed for installation and the friction grip needed for secure attachment.
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
The solution provides a stable, self-leveling, and easily attachable utility platform that securely holds tools and materials on a ladder, enhancing usability and safety by being compact and easy to carry.
Implementation Method 1
The rung attachment means has an expanding plug that expands once inserted into the rung of the ladder so as to securely hold the utility platform assembly to the ladder.
Implementation Method 2
The rung attachment means is attached above the center of gravity of the utility platform assembly, permitting the utility platform to be self-leveling.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact folding utility platform having a rung attachment attaching to the rung. A shelf folds from a vertical support, forming a work platform. A rung attachment is attached to the vertical support. In one embodiment, the rung attachment expands inside the rung of a ladder and is frictionally retained. In another embodiment, a rung attachment mechanism having fingers pivotally moves into position around the rung. Tabs placed in the vertical support may be used to hold the handle of a paint can. Other work tools may be placed on the shelf.