Modular Ladder Mounting Bracket for Secure One-Person Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder systems, such as tree stand ladders and utility pole ladders, face issues with insecure attachment, difficulty in installation, user discomfort, and high maintenance costs due to strap-based systems or pegs, while roof ladders require additional support structures that increase installation time and risk of falling.
Innovation Solution
A ladder system comprising climbing sections with channels and flanges for secure attachment via fasteners, featuring adjustable steps and support bars that can be mounted on various surfaces, allowing for customizable configurations and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If strap-based attachment systems are used for tree stand ladders, then the ladder can be attached to trees, but the attachment is difficult to install and requires multiple people
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder system is divided into separate components: a ladder body and a mounting bracket assembly. The mounting bracket can be independently attached to the tree, and the ladder can be separately mounted to the bracket, simplifying the installation process and allowing one-person installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is pre-attached to the tree before the ladder is installed. This preliminary action simplifies the overall installation process, as the ladder can then be easily mounted to the already-secured bracket without requiring complex strap manipulation around the tree.
2Reliability
If strap-based attachment systems are used for tree stand ladders, then the ladder can be attached to trees, but the attachment is not firm and lacks strong supporting structure
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the ladder and the tree. The bracket is securely attached to the tree using straps, and the ladder is then mounted to the bracket. This intermediary structure provides a firm attachment point and strong supporting structure, eliminating the instability of direct strap-to-ladder attachment.
3Ease of operation
If individual steps with built-in fasteners are used, then the steps are convenient to carry up the tree, but the steps are small and do not provide much area for the climber's foot
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder is constructed with multiple individual step components that can be separately carried and assembled. Each step is a manageable size for carrying, yet when assembled into a complete ladder structure, they provide adequate foot area and climber comfort.
4Ease of operation
If pegs are embedded in utility poles for telephone line access, then technicians can climb to reach lines, but the pegs may not be strong enough and can rip out causing technicians to fall
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly embedding pegs into the utility pole, a mounting bracket system is used as an intermediary. The bracket is securely attached to the pole using multiple fasteners distributed across a larger surface area, and the ladder is then mounted to the bracket. This distributes the climbing load across multiple attachment points rather than relying on single weak pegs.
5Reliability
If brackets are fastened to the roof and ladder is secured into hooks on the brackets for roof work, then the ladder can be supported, but the installation time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket combines multiple functions into a single component: it attaches to the roof surface and provides ladder support in one integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate brackets and hooks, reducing installation time and cost while maintaining stable ladder support.
6Duration of action of stationary object
If the attachment straps are left on a tree for an extended period of time, then the tree will grow over the strap, but the owner cannot take down the ladder without freeing the strap which requires cutting or breaking the tree
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary between the strap and the ladder. The strap is attached to the bracket, not directly to the ladder, allowing the ladder to be easily removed from the bracket while the strap remains intact on the tree. This eliminates the need to cut the strap or tree for ladder removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A multipurpose and adaptable ladder system includes one or more climbing sections. Each climbing section includes a channel having a web with a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a plurality mounting holes. Each mounting hole extends from the front surface through the rear surface and is configured to receive a fastener for mounting the climbing section. The channel also includes first and second flanges extending away from the rear surface of the web to form a channel opening therebetween. Each climbing section further includes one or more climbing steps. Each climbing step extends from the front surface of the web, includes a climbing surface, and is configured to receive at least one hand and/or at least one foot of a climber.