Ladder Stabilization Support Assembly for Uneven Grounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long span extension ladders lack sufficient lateral and vertical stability, leading to uncomfortable and unsafe climbing experiences due to wobbling, swaying, and deflection under load, with existing stabilization solutions often being cumbersome, heavy, costly, and difficult to adjust.
Innovation Solution
A ladder stabilization support assembly using telescopic support legs with a t-slotted aluminum profile, pivot joint, adjustable sliding mechanism, and swivel leveling foot, allowing for easy mounting, adjustment, and operation without tools, providing nearly unlimited adjustment positions and stability on uneven surfaces, and enabling a self-supporting stand-alone mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If stabilization supports are attached at a lower end of a ladder closer to the ladder base, then the device complexity is reduced, but the lateral and vertical stability improvement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly extends perpendicular to the ladder side rail, creating a lateral dimension of support. The footrest member projects outward from the ladder, providing stabilization in a direction perpendicular to the ladder's length, thereby improving stability without adding complex mechanisms at the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is divided into distinct components: a support member attached to the ladder side rail, and a footrest member that can be positioned at various locations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to overall stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pin and aperture arrangements are used for length adjustments, then the adjustment positions are fixed and limited, but the adjustment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support member and footrest member are connected in a telescopic arrangement that allows continuous adjustment of the distance between them. This dynamic configuration enables the climber to position the footrest at any point along the support member's length, providing unlimited adjustment positions rather than fixed discrete positions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complicated pivotal or ratchet adjustment mechanisms are used, then the stability support is enhanced, but the device weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential stabilization function from complex mechanisms like pivots and ratchets. The support assembly uses simple telescopic members that can be secured with basic latches or friction fits, removing unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining adequate lateral stability support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly uses simple, lightweight components that can be manufactured at low cost. The telescopic members are basic structural elements without expensive mechanisms, and the assembly can be easily replaced if needed, following the principle of using simple, inexpensive components rather than complex, costly mechanisms.
4Manufacturing precision
If the support assembly requires special tools for setup, then the installation precision is improved, but the ease of operation and setup speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is designed to be self-installing without requiring special tools. The telescopic members can be adjusted and secured using the climber's hands, and the attachment mechanisms to the ladder side rail are designed for tool-free installation, allowing quick setup while maintaining proper positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder stabilization support assembly for lateral and vertical stabilization support to ladders in general and long span extension ladders in particular preventing the ladders from lateral movement such as tipping, overturning or slipping off the supporting grounds. The assembly is built to take advantage of a light-weight t-slotted aluminum profile and comprises two telescopic support legs pivotally mounted on opposite sides of a ladder to effectively support and level the ladder on any uneven supporting grounds. An adjustable sliding mechanism provides for a smooth, low tolerance and wobble-free telescopic sliding function with numerous length adjustments positions. A pivot joint provides for endless number of pivotal and swivel adjustment positions. The assembly can quickly and easily be mounted onto the ladder, remain permanently attached to the ladder or be taken off the ladder when not in use. The assembly also allows extension ladders to operate in a self-supporting stand-alone mode.