Ladder Stabilising Strut with Self-Locking Sliding Sleeves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boom systems for ladders and scaffolding lack reliable and easy-to-use solutions for both outward and inward swivel angle limitation, leading to instability and operational safety risks due to loose or detachable components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two sliding sleeves that are slidably arranged on the boom, with one end of the boom strut pivotally connected to a sliding sleeve and the other end to a ladder part, creating a self-locking arrangement that prevents unintentional movement by utilizing gravity and a dead center mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If detachable wire brackets are used to limit boom span, then the boom can be adjusted, but the risk of unintentional detachment and user error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom strut assembly is designed to be self-attaching and self-locking. The sliding sleeves automatically engage with the boom and lock into position without requiring user intervention for attachment or detachment. The system serves itself by automatically limiting the boom span through the fixed position of the struts relative to the ladder structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom strut assembly is divided into separate functional components: the boom itself, the sliding sleeves that move along the boom, and the fixed attachment points on the ladder. This segmentation allows the struts to be fixed relative to the ladder while the sliding sleeves provide the adjustment mechanism, separating the adaptability function from the reliability function.
2Reliability
If wire hangers are used to limit boom span, then outward and inward movement can be restricted, but additional work processes are required for attachment and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sleeves are designed to automatically find and lock into the correct position on the boom through their own weight and the geometry of the dead center mechanism. No user action is required to position or attach the span limitation mechanism - the system serves itself by automatically establishing the fixed boom position when the struts are attached to the ladder.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sleeves are pre-configured with the dead center mechanism and spring elements that automatically engage when the boom is installed. The geometry of the sliding sleeves and bores is predetermined to create the self-locking effect, so the span limitation function is already prepared and requires no additional user action during installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the boom is made variable in length with telescoping sections, then the working position can be adjusted, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping boom is segmented into multiple tubular sections that can slide relative to each other. Each section has simplified locking features that engage with the adjacent section, breaking down the complex length adjustment function into simple, repeatable mechanical interactions between standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The same sliding sleeve mechanism that provides span limitation also serves as the length adjustment mechanism for the telescoping boom. The sliding sleeves can accommodate different boom lengths while maintaining the same self-locking principle, making the mechanism universal for both span control and length adjustment functions.
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
This solution provides a secure, automatic locking mechanism that prevents the boom from moving out of its position, ensuring stability and safety without the need for separate operations or risk of detachment, allowing for easy attachment to various ladder and scaffolding types.
Implementation Method 1
the sliding sleeves (13, 14) are displaceable and arranged on the boom (5) with corresponding sliding play, such that when the boom (5) is swiveled out, the sliding sleeves (13, 14) automatically find their way, due to gravity, past a dead center on the longitudinal axis of the boom (5)
Implementation Method 2
it is provided that a spring is arranged in the area of the pivot bearing (6) for automatic swiveling out of the boom (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The arm (5) has an upper hinge (6) pivoted away from it laterally for lateral support of the ladder (1) where an end of arm prop (11,12) is connected with the ladder below the upper hinge and the other end of arm prop is connected with the arm pivoted both at ladder and sliding sleeves where the sliding sleeves is engaged through the arm and guided axially in a sliding manner. The material of the sliding sleeves (13,14) is made up of plastic and the material of the arm is made up of metal, particularly aluminum.