Collapsible Ladder Platform Roof Support and Grab Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extension ladder platforms fail to securely attach to roofs, leading to potential deflection under load and non-compliance with safety regulations, and lack grab rails for user safety.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible platform assembly that is rotatably connected to an extension ladder near the top, allowing the platform to be extended and directly supported by the roof, with upper side rails acting as grab rails and optional retractable handrails for added safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable platform is attached to spaced apart rungs of the ladder, then the platform can support tools while a workman is on the ladder, but the configuration makes it unsuitable to act as a support point to support the ladder with respect to a roof or structure
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional segments: a removable platform portion for tool support and a fixed support portion that attaches to the ladder rungs and extends to the roof. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently while working together as a complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion extends in a dimension beyond the ladder rungs toward the roof or structure. This dimensional extension creates a new support plane that contacts the roof, providing stable support while keeping the platform accessible from the ladder.
2Strength
If the platform is extended and directly supported by the roof, then the platform acts as a rigid support for the top of the ladder, but the upper portion of the side rails must extend beyond the height of the roof to act as grab rails
Solution Approach 1:
The upper portion of the side rails serves multiple functions: they provide structural support for the platform, extend beyond the roof height to function as grab rails for user safety, and maintain the ladder's overall stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a supplementary ladder is rotatably connected to one rung on an extension ladder, then the supplementary ladder can be secured to a window sill, but the platform covers a portion of the extending end of the supplementary ladder
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is extracted from the supplementary ladder structure and repositioned to be directly supported by the roof through the support portion. This extraction allows the platform to be accessible from the extension ladder without being blocked by the supplementary ladder's extending end.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform in combination with ladder-like rails combine to form an add-on device that is connected to a rung near the top of an extension ladder so that the platform is rotatably connected to the extension ladder and the ladder-like rails. In a storage or retracted position, the add-on device is generally co-planar with the extension ladder; and in a use position, the platform can be extended from the extension ladder and directly supported by a roof. The platform acts as a rigid support for the top of the ladder and does not deflect under load. The ladder-like rails act as “grab rails” so that a user can “grab” or hold on to them while walking through the top of the extension ladder. Also, one or more retractable hand rails provide added safety when the user moves onto the platform.