Ladder Rung Extension Assembly for Foot Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ladders often have rungs that are too shallow, leading to discomfort and potential foot ailments like Achilles tendonitis due to inadequate foot support, and taller ladders with deeper rungs are not suitable for all working purposes.
Innovation Solution
A ladder rung extension assembly comprising a bracket assembly with pins, mounting assemblies, and angled bracket portions that allow for the rotation and extension of rungs, enabling deeper foot placement without modifying the existing ladder structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional ladders with shallow rungs are used, then the ladder height can be increased, but user comfort and foot health deteriorate due to inadequate foot support
Solution Approach 1:
The rung is divided into two separate components: the original shallow rung and an extension assembly that adds depth. This segmentation allows the ladder to maintain its original height while the extension assembly provides additional foot support surface, resolving the contradiction between ladder height and foot comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension assembly adds depth to the rung in the vertical dimension without affecting the horizontal spacing or height of the ladder structure. By extending the rung downward to provide additional foot support surface area, the solution increases comfort without compromising the ladder's height or structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If step ladders with deeper rungs are designed, then foot comfort improves, but the overall ladder height decreases making them unsuitable for many working purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The solution separates the rung depth function from the ladder height function by attaching extension assemblies to existing shallow rungs. This allows the ladder to maintain its original height while the segmented extension provides the additional depth needed for foot comfort, avoiding the need to redesign the entire ladder structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension assembly acts as an intermediary component between the user's foot and the original rung. It provides the additional support surface needed for comfort without being part of the main ladder structure, thus preserving the ladder's original height while solving the comfort issue.
3Ease of operation
If ladder rungs are extended to provide deeper foot support, then user comfort and safety improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension assembly incorporates a pivot joint that allows it to rotate between a horizontal position (when the ladder is in use) and a vertical/parallel position (when not in use). This dynamic capability allows the extension to provide foot support when needed while automatically or manually stowing away to minimize complexity and interference with the ladder's normal function.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the extension assembly a separate, detachable component rather than permanently integrating it into the rung, the solution reduces overall device complexity. The segmented design allows the extension to be added only when needed and removed or stowed when not in use, avoiding the permanent complexity increase that would result from integral design.
4Ease of operation
If extension assemblies are added to ladders, then rung depth increases improving comfort, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension assembly is designed as a separate, pre-fabricated unit that attaches to the existing rung through a pivot joint. This segmentation allows the extension to be manufactured independently using standard components, and then installed on existing ladders without requiring complex custom manufacturing or modification of the original ladder structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension assembly is designed with universal mounting features that can be attached to various rung types and ladder configurations. This universality simplifies manufacturing by using standardized components and attachment methods that can be applied across different ladder models, reducing the need for custom fabrication.
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder rung extension assembly includes a bracket assembly including a first pin, a second pin, a pair of mounting assemblies, a pair of first bracket portions extending between the first pin and the second pin, and a pair of angled bracket portions, each of the angled bracket portions extending between the second pin and a respective mounting assembly of the pair of mounting assemblies, a first rung extension assembly having a pivot portion rotatable about the first pin, and a second rung extension assembly having a pivot portion rotatable about the second pin. The ladder rung extension assembly may be engaged with a ladder and have an open position corresponding to the ladder in a deployed position and a closed position corresponding to the ladder in a stored position.