Ladder Support Apparatus for Non-Level Surface Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Extension ladders are unsafe to use on non-level surfaces as they require two legs for support, which can shift on uneven ground, posing a hazard and necessitating frequent adjustments or modifications to ensure stability.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that attaches to the bottom two rungs of an extension ladder, providing a single leg support by extending a leg perpendicular to the rungs, with a channel bar, hook, pivotable foot, and step member to stabilize the ladder on level and non-level surfaces, preventing spinning during extension or retraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional extension ladders are used on non-level surfaces, then the ladder can be deployed in various locations, but the ladder becomes unstable and unsafe due to shifting legs on uneven ground

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveladder deployment locationVSAvoidladder stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into separate modular components: a first support device attached to one ladder leg and a second support device attached to the other leg. Each support device can independently adjust to accommodate uneven surfaces, allowing the ladder to maintain stability while being deployed in various locations including non-level ground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If ladder levelers are attached to extend the legs to compensate for uneven surfaces, then the ladder can be used on non-level surfaces, but the device complexity increases and frequent adjustments are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveladder usage on non-level surfacesVSAvoidsupport device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support devices incorporate dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow automatic or easy adaptation to uneven surfaces. The supports can be adjusted independently for each ladder leg, providing a simple yet effective solution that compensates for ground irregularities without requiring complex mechanical structures or frequent manual interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If blocks or dug holes are used to support ladder legs on uneven ground, then the ladder can be stabilized, but safety hazards arise from shifting supports and additional personnel are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveladder stability on uneven groundVSAvoidsafety hazards from shifting supports

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support devices are designed to be self-stabilizing with features that prevent shifting during ladder use. Once positioned, the supports maintain their location without requiring additional personnel to hold or adjust them, eliminating the safety hazards associated with manual support methods while ensuring continuous stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If a single support device is used instead of traditional two-leg support, then the ladder can be used on non-level surfaces without modifications, but the ladder may spin during extension or retraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveladder usage on various surfacesVSAvoidladder rotational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support devices are positioned asymmetrically relative to the ladder structure, with each support attached to a different leg at optimized locations. This asymmetric configuration creates a stable triangular support base when combined with the ladder's foot, preventing rotational movement during extension and retraction operations while maintaining the ability to adapt to various surface conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Enables safe use of extension ladders on various surfaces without adjustments or removal of the apparatus, ensuring stability and preventing accidents by distributing the ladder's weight on a single point, allowing single-user operation without losing control.

Implementation Method 1

a foot pivotally mounted to the leg at one end thereof to pivot the leg and foot with respect to each other along an axis of rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS10100577B2Apparatus providing single support to an extension ladder enabling ladder use on level and non-level surfaces

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 GREEN SCOTT E

AI summary

An apparatus attachable to an extension ladder is provided having a single leg extendable in a direction perpendicular and adjacent to the two lowest rungs of an extension ladder, a channel bar sized to receive a substantial length of a lowest rung of the ladder, and a hook for latching onto a next to lowest rung of the ladder. A foot pivotally mounted to the leg at one end thereof supports the leg onto or at least partially into a level or non-level surface. A step member extends from the leg at an angle. When the ladder is extended upwards by a user, a removable arm member is received through a holder of the leg to lie against a user's leg to provide stability and prevent spinning. The apparatus when attached to the lowest two rungs elevates the ladder to be non-contact with the level or non-level surface.