Ladder Rung Alert Using Deformable Mechanical Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder safety alert devices often require complex electronics or mechanical assemblies, which can be cumbersome and costly, and do not effectively alert users of their proximity to the ground when dismounting.
Innovation Solution
A deformable feedback member installed on a ladder rung that deforms between a first geometry and a second geometry, causing an alert, such as by using mechanical deformation to emit an alert, without the need for additional alerting features like LEDs or speakers, and comprising a support structure for securing the deformable feedback member to the ladder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing alert apparatus with electronics or complex mechanical assemblies are used, then the alert function can be provided, but the device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex electronic components (speakers, LEDs, control circuits) from the alert apparatus, retaining only the essential mechanical deformation element that provides the alert function through pure mechanical means, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable feedback member serves itself by using its own mechanical deformation to generate the alert signal, eliminating the need for external power sources, electronic control systems, or additional actuator components, thus simplifying the overall device structure
2Reliability
If existing alert apparatus with multiple moving parts are used, then the alert function can be provided, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mechanical assemblies with multiple moving parts and replaces them with a single deformable feedback member that can be manufactured as a simple molded component, significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the alert function
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable feedback member is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical element that can be easily manufactured and replaced, eliminating the need for expensive, complex assemblies that are difficult to manufacture and repair
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 deformable feedback member provides an effective audio and tactile alert to users without the need for complex electronics, ensuring safety by alerting them of their position relative to the ground, and comprising a support structure for securing to the ladder.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable feedback member configured to deform between a first geometry and a second geometry, wherein mechanical deformation of the deformable feedback member between the first and second geometries causes the deformable feedback member to emit an alert
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an alert apparatus for installation on a rung of a ladder, particularly on a "last", or ground-adjacent, rung of a ladder. The alert apparatus provides an alert to a user that they are stepping onto and/or stepping off a rung of the ladder The alert apparatus comprises a deformable feedback member configured to deform between a first geometry and a second geometry, wherein mechanical deformation of the deformable feedback member between the first and second geometries causes the deformable feedback member to emit an alert; and a support structure for securing to the ladder such that the deformable feedback member is positioned above a rung of the ladder.