Ladder Support Panel with U-Shaped Edge for Roof Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder stability devices for sloped and elevated flat roof surfaces are overly complex and require excessive components, making them difficult to assemble and install, and lack a reliable mechanism for securing ladders during transition from the ladder to the roof surface.
Innovation Solution
A safety device comprising a panel member with a U-shaped edge and laterally spaced arms to secure and stabilize a ladder, which can be easily adjusted and disconnected from support platforms for flexible positioning, ensuring stability and safety during access and descent from sloped and elevated flat roof surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing ladder stability devices are used for sloped and elevated flat roof surfaces, then ladder stability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a support platform with platform surface and side edges, a panel member with U-shaped edge portion, and connection means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying manufacturing and assembly of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides lateral containment for the ladder, connects to the support platform, and stabilizes the ladder position. This merging reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining ladder stability.
2Reliability
If existing ladder stability devices are used, then ladder stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult assembly and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The support platform and panel member are designed with pre-configured connection means that facilitate straightforward assembly. The U-shaped edge portion and platform structure are shaped in advance to receive and secure the ladder, eliminating complex field assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for adjustable positioning of the panel member relative to support platforms, enabling workers to adapt the configuration to different roof conditions and ladder positions while maintaining simple connection and disconnection operations.
3Reliability
If existing ladder stability devices are used, then ladder stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to lack of adjustment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The panel member is designed to be adjustable relative to the support platforms, allowing workers to reposition it to accommodate different ladder positions, roof slopes, and access points. The connection means enable easy reconfiguration while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device can be used on various roof types (sloped and elevated flat surfaces) and with different ladder configurations. The adjustable panel member and modular support platforms provide universal applicability across different working conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety device for a ladder and one or more support platforms disposed upon an underlying roof surface comprising a panel member having a top side, a bottom side, a back edge portion, a first side edge portion, a second side edge portion, and a front U-shaped edge portion with laterally spaced-apart forwardly extending arms for positioning a ladder there between to contain the ladder and prevent its lateral movement beyond the arms. The panel member and the support platform each has the means in cooperating relation to attach the panel member to the support platform in releasable engagement to enable the panel member and the support platform to easily disconnect and reconnect to further enable the adjustment of the positioning of the panel member relative to one or more adjacently or closely placed support platforms situated along or near the edge of said roof surface.