Lighted Ladder With Integrated LED Lighting And Battery Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ladders lack integrated lighting that effectively illuminates the area directly under the ladder, requiring separate work lights and electrical connections, which can be inconvenient and pose hazards.

Innovation Solution

A Lighted Ladder with integral LED strip lighting, a cordless battery mounting system, a controller housing, and a control interface, featuring motion sensors and dimmer controls, is designed to provide 300° illumination using two LED strips oriented 90 degrees apart, powered by a 12V 3.0 Ah battery, and weight-balanced for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If separate work lights are used to illuminate the area under the ladder, then the illumination requirement is met, but the device complexity and setup inconvenience increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination of work areaVSAvoidseparate light equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lighting function with the ladder structure by integrating LED strip lights directly into the ladder rails. The LED strips are mounted within recesses in the ladder structure, eliminating the need for separate work lights and electrical connections. This integration directly resolves the technical contradiction by providing illumination while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If corded lighting is used, then sufficient power is available, but the requirement for electrical receptacles and cords increases setup complexity and safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting powerVSAvoidsetup convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical corded lighting system with a battery-powered system. A battery pack is integrated into the ladder structure, providing electrical power to the LED strips without requiring external electrical receptacles or cords. This substitution eliminates setup complexity and safety hazards associated with corded lighting while maintaining sufficient power for illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If lighting components are added to the ladder, then illumination is provided, but the weight of the ladder increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework area lightingVSAvoidladder weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses LED technology, which provides high illumination intensity while consuming minimal power and having low weight compared to traditional lighting solutions. The LED strips are mounted in recesses within the ladder structure, and the battery pack is positioned to minimize impact on the ladder's center of gravity and overall weight. This parameter change from traditional lighting to LED technology resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient illumination with minimal weight increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient, high-quality lighting equivalent to four 100-watt incandescent bulbs, with energy-saving features and weatherproofing, enhancing safety and usability for workers by eliminating the need for separate lights and electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

one or more LED strip lighting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a cordless battery mounting means; a battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3464780B1Lighted ladder
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 RED DIRT INNOVATIONS LLC
  • EP3464780B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3464780B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3464780B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the Lighted Ladder are comprised of a ladder; a plastic housing; one or more LED strip lighting; a cordless battery mounting means; a battery; a controller housing; a control interface; power wiring; potentiometer wiring; and motion sensor wiring. The ladder is weight-balanced by placement of the battery mounting means, the battery, and controller housing in a low position on the ladder. The battery mounting means is designed to accept a cordless tool battery. The battery mounting means is designed to accept a commercially available battery of at least 12V and at least 3.0 Ah. One plastic housing is located on each of the vertical front rails. Each LED strip lighting can illuminate an angular range of 120 degrees (120) creating a total illumination range of 300 degrees (300).