Ladder Stabilizer with Adjustable Legs and Hinged Step Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Falls from ladders due to instability caused by slight differences in elevation between ladder legs are common, leading to injuries, as existing solutions do not adequately address the need for adjustable and deployable ladder stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A ladder stabilizer comprising a rigid lateral support formed from hollow tubes with extension arms and a support beam, featuring a step plate secured by a hinge, and adjustable legs with pivoting joints and locking mechanisms to ensure stability and adaptability to various ladder configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ladder stabilizer is designed to be adjustable and deployable, then adaptability to different ladder types and surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is divided into multiple independent components including extension arms, legs with telescopic sections, pivot joints, and locking mechanisms. Each segment can independently adjust to accommodate different ladder widths and surface conditions, providing adaptability while keeping individual components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer employs dynamic structures including telescopic legs with adjustable lengths, pivot joints allowing angular adjustment, and deployable extension arms. These dynamic features enable the device to adapt to various ladder configurations and uneven surfaces through mechanical adjustment rather than fixed geometry.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stabilizer includes adjustable legs with pivot joints and locking mechanisms, then stability on uneven surfaces is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are designed to automatically engage and secure the telescopic legs and extension arms in their adjusted positions through self-latching features. This self-service locking reduces the operational steps required by the user while maintaining stable locked positions that prevent accidental disengagement during use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stabilizer extends beyond the ladder width with extension arms, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension arms are designed to nest within the main body structure of the stabilizer when not in use, and can be deployed outward to extend beyond the ladder width for enhanced stability. This nesting arrangement allows the stabilizer to maintain a compact form factor while providing extended reach when stability is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder stabilizer for step ladders and extension ladders. The ladder stabilizer is collapsible for storage. Additionally, the ladder stabilizer includes legs that are adjustable in length and pivotally secured to a rigid lateral support. The rigid lateral support also carries a step plate secured by a hinge to the lateral support. The step plate provides the point of engagement between the ladder stabilizer and a rung of the ladder.