Ladder Support Channel with Rolling Brake for Fascia Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a system to support ladders in an upright orientation, particularly suited for exterior surfaces like house fascias, that allows for easy positioning and secure locking while accommodating features like eavestroughs.

Innovation Solution

A ladder supporting system comprising a channel with wheels and a holding device that allows longitudinal movement along the channel, a brake for locking, and a flange for mounting eavestroughs, enabling the ladder to be positioned at a prescribed angle and securely fastened to the surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a ladder supporting system is mounted on an upright surface, then the ladder can be supported in upright orientation, but the system may interfere with eavestroughs or gutters mounted on the same surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveladder support stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with eavestrough mounting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The channel is positioned in a plane that is offset from the upright surface, creating a spatial separation between the ladder support system and the eavestrough mounting area. This dimensional arrangement allows both systems to coexist without interference, as the channel operates in a different spatial plane than the surface-mounted eavestroughs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The channel acts as an intermediary element between the upright surface and the ladder holding device. By positioning the channel at a distance from the surface and using wheels that roll within it, the system mediates the interaction between the ladder and the building surface, preventing direct conflict with eavestrough installations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the holding device is fixed in position, then the ladder is securely supported, but the device cannot be repositioned along the channel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveladder support stabilityVSAvoidrepositionability along channel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic repositionable system through the introduction of wheels that roll along the channel. This dynamic mechanism allows the holding device to be easily moved to different locations while maintaining secure support when positioned, resolving the contradiction between stability and repositionability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed mechanical connection between the holding device and the channel is replaced with a rolling wheel mechanism. This substitution transforms the system from a rigid, immovable structure to one that combines ease of movement with secure positioning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the channel is open at the front side, then the wheel can be easily installed, but the wheel may fall out or become unstable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel installation simplicityVSAvoidwheel retention in channel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel is nested within the channel structure, with the channel walls enclosing the wheel on multiple sides. This nesting arrangement provides secure retention while maintaining ease of installation, as the wheel fits within the predefined space of the channel rather than requiring complex external retention mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 system effectively supports ladders in upright orientation, allows for easy positioning and secure locking, and ensures clearance from eavestroughs, providing a stable and versatile solution for exterior surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

the holding device is positionable longitudinally of the channel by rolling movement of said at least one wheel along the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling movement: Wheel

Implementation Method 2

a brake for locking the holding device in fixed location along the channel formed by a clamping member carried outside the channel and displaceable axially of each of said at least one wheel into a position at an exterior surface of a wall portion of the channel so as to clamp with a face of said at least one wheel the wall portion of the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectClamping force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10704326B2System for supporting a ladder in upright orientation

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 ST GODARD DOUG

AI summary

A ladder supporting device for supporting a ladder in upright orientation at an upright surface comprises a channel extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end arranged horizontally spaced across the upright surface with a backside facing the upright surface, a holding device located outside the channel distal to the upright surface, and at least one wheel rotatably supported on an axle connected to the holding device and passing into the channel which receives the at least one wheel such that the holding device is positionable longitudinally of the channel by rolling movement of the at least one wheel along the channel.