Waist-Mounted Ladder Support Device for Ergonomic Load Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for carrying ladders, such as those described in prior art patents, do not effectively center the load at the waist, leading to gait deviations and increased risk of back injuries during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A ladder support device with a base plate and hanger plates that form a guiding channel and retainer channel, allowing the ladder to be positioned at an angle for secure engagement and vertical displacement, thereby distributing the load across the waistband for improved ergonomics and reduced strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ladder is carried using conventional methods, then the ladder can be transported, but the load is not centered on the waist causing gait deviations and back injury risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the ladder carrying method from overhead/shoulder carrying to a waist-level carrying position. The support device attaches to the waistband and positions the ladder horizontally across the front of the body, changing the spatial dimension of load bearing from upper body to lower body attachment point, thereby centering the load at the waist and eliminating gait deviations
Solution Approach 2:
The support device acts as an intermediary between the ladder and the user's body. It includes a support member with engagement structures that interface with the ladder, and attachment structures that connect to the waistband, thereby mediating the load transfer and positioning the ladder's weight at the waist rather than on the shoulders or hands
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ladder is secured firmly to prevent movement, then the ladder is stable, but the device complexity increases with multiple retention structures
Solution Approach 1:
The support device employs asymmetric retention structures where the first retention structure engages the first stringer and the second retention structure engages the second stringer at different positions and orientations. This asymmetric design provides stable engagement with the ladder's structure while maintaining a relatively simple overall device configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The support device divides the retention function into separate first and second retention structures, each independently engaging one stringer of the ladder. This segmentation allows each structure to be optimized for its specific engagement task while keeping the overall device modular and manageable in complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder support device is disclosed for engaging a ladder. The ladder supporting device comprises a base plate having a first hanger plate and a second hanger plate extending from the base support plate. A first retainer plate and a second retainer plate extend from the first hanger plate and the second hanger plate respectively. A clip plate extends from the base plate for receiving the waistband and securing the base plate to the individual. The base plate, the first hanger plate and the first retainer plate define a first carriage for engaging the step of the ladder. The base plate, the second hanger plate and the second retainer plate define a second carriage for engaging the first stringer or the second stringer of the ladder.