Ladder Stand-Off Arms with Automatic Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ladders are unstable when placed against structures like rain gutters, which can collapse under load, posing safety hazards due to improper installation and adjustment of stand-off devices.
Innovation Solution
A ladder design with a stand-off apparatus featuring pivotally displaced arms that automatically deploy and retract, coupled with an actuation mechanism and locking mechanism, to stabilize the ladder by engaging a solid structure without relying on unstable surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stand-off device is removably clamped to ladder rungs or rails, then the ladder can engage adjacent wall or roof structure, but the device is susceptible to improper installation and adjustment which creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The stand-off device is merged with the ladder as an integrated component rather than a separate attachable device. The arms are permanently mounted to the ladder rails through brackets, eliminating the need for users to clamp or attach the device themselves. This integration ensures proper installation while maintaining the ability to engage various wall or roof structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand-off device automatically deploys and retracts based on the ladder's position. When the ladder is extended to working position, the arms automatically extend to engage the support structure. When the ladder is retracted for storage, the arms automatically retract. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for manual installation or adjustment by the user.
2Reliability
If the stand-off arms are permanently fixed to the ladder, then installation reliability is improved, but the device cannot be compacted for storage and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The stand-off arms are designed as dynamic components that can change their position and configuration. The arms are pivotally mounted and can rotate between an extended working position and a retracted storage position. This dynamic design allows the arms to be permanently attached to the ladder (ensuring reliability) while being able to compact into a small volume when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
When the stand-off arms are retracted, they nest within or alongside the ladder structure. The arms fold back against the ladder rails or position themselves within the ladder's frame, minimizing the overall volume occupied during storage and transportation while remaining permanently attached.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stand-off device is manually installed and adjusted each use, then adaptability to different structures is improved, but the process is time-consuming and prone to error
Solution Approach 1:
The stand-off device is self-adjusting and self-deploying. As the ladder is extended to its working position, the stand-off arms automatically extend and position themselves to engage the support structure. The device does not require manual installation or adjustment by the user, eliminating time loss while maintaining adaptability through its design that accommodates various wall and roof structures.
4Device complexity
If the ladder uses conventional feet to engage the ground, then the ladder is simple in design, but the ladder becomes unstable when placed against unstable structures like rain gutters
Solution Approach 1:
The stand-off arms act as an intermediary between the ladder and the support structure. Instead of the ladder rails directly contacting the gutter (which causes instability), the arms extend outward to engage a more stable adjacent structure such as the wall or roof edge next to the gutter. This intermediary connection provides stable support while keeping the ladder design relatively simple.
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 solution provides enhanced stability and safety by automatically deploying arms to engage a stable structure, reducing the risk of ladder instability and collapse, and allowing for easy storage and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a first arm coupled with a first rail of the second pair of rails and pivotally displaced between a first position, wherein the first arm is substantially positioned within a volume defined by the second pair of rails, and a second position wherein a substantial portion of the first arm extends out of the volume defined by the second pair of rails
Implementation Method 2
the stand-off apparatus is configured to automatically deploy the first arm from the first position to the second position upon displacing the fly section a predetermined distance relative to the base section in a first direction
Implementation Method 3
a locking mechanism configured to selectively prohibit movement of the first arm from the first position to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder is provided having a first assembly and a second assembly slidably coupled with the first assembly. The first assembly includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a first plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. the second assembly includes a second pair of spaced apart rails and a second plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the second pair of spaced apart rails. A support apparatus is coupled with the first assembly and includes one or more arms that are pivotally displaced from a refracted position to a deployed position responsive to displacement of the first assembly a specified distance relative to the second assembly.