Ladder Rung Channel Structure for Consistent Climbing Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladders often provide an inconsistent climbing experience and lack sufficient support for user comfort and safety, particularly in terms of fatigue reduction and safety during extended use.
Innovation Solution
The design of ladder rungs with a first support surface portion, a second support surface portion, and a channel between them, providing a consistent climbing experience and enhanced support by extending beyond the rear surfaces of the rails, with varying depths and dimensions to accommodate user comfort and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional ladder rungs are used, then the ladder structure is simple, but the climbing experience is inconsistent and user comfort is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The rung incorporates a channel feature that creates distinct local zones: a first support surface portion for hand placement, a channel for finger insertion, and a second support surface portion for additional hand placement. This local differentiation of functional qualities within the rung structure provides consistent tactile feedback and ergonomic support, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural complexity.
2Reliability
If rungs extend only to the rail surface, then the manufacturing is simple, but the support for user comfort and safety is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rung is segmented into multiple functional portions: a first support surface portion, a channel extending between support surfaces, and a second support surface portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function (hand support, finger grip, additional support) while maintaining manufacturability through standardized production processes, thus improving reliability without excessive manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rung extends beyond the rear surfaces of the rails in the longitudinal dimension, creating overhanging support surface portions. This dimensional extension provides additional support area that enhances user safety and comfort without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as it simply requires the rung to extend further along its length.
3Reliability
If the rung support surfaces are shallow, then the manufacturing is easier, but the fatigue reduction and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rung incorporates specific dimensional parameters: the channel has a depth of at least 0.5 inch and a height of at least 0.5 inch, while the support surface portions have depths between 1.5-3.5 inches. These parameter specifications ensure adequate support for hand and finger placement to reduce fatigue and improve safety, while remaining manufacturable with standard fabrication processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder and ladder rungs are provided. In one embodiment, a ladder comprises a first assembly having a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. At least one rung of the plurality of rungs may include a first support surface portion, a second support surface portion, and a channel extending between the first support surface portion and the second support surface portion. In one embodiment, a rear surface of each of the first pair of spaced apart rails defines a plane and the first support surface portion is located on a first side of the plane and the second support surface portion is located on a second side of the plane. In one embodiment, at least one other rung is entirely positioned on the first side of the plane.