Modular Ladder Tensioning System for Extended Reach

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional materials handling systems using ladders and trolleys are limited by short lengths and reduced strength, making it difficult to efficiently move heavy loads or personnel, especially when raising materials to the roof of a building during construction.

Innovation Solution

A modular materials handling system comprising connectable ladder sections with a tensioning system and a trolley equipped with a cable and pulley mechanism for extended length and stability, featuring an automatic brake and adjustable mast for enhanced strength and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If single length ladders are used, then the structure maintains strength, but the length is limited and cannot reach high positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveladder lengthVSAvoidladder strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ladder is divided into multiple sections that can be connected together. Each section maintains the strength of a single-length ladder, while the combined structure achieves the required length to reach high positions such as building roofs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ladder sections are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with telescopic sections that slide into one another. This allows long ladder structures to be stored in compact forms while maintaining full extended length when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of moving object

If ladders extend by one sliding over another to create longer length, then the length increases, but the strength is reduced and weight capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveladder lengthVSAvoidladder strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Tensioning systems are pre-installed within the ladder structure, including cables and pulleys that are built into the sections. These tensioning elements are prepared in advance to maintain structural integrity when sections are connected and extended.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a trolley is used to move materials along the ladder, then materials can be transported, but the trolley may travel in unintended directions without proper control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial transport capabilityVSAvoidtrolley control safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic brake system continuously monitors the trolley's position and movement along the ladder. When the trolley reaches its destination or detects unintended movement, the brake automatically engages to prevent accidents, providing continuous feedback control for safe operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The brake system is designed to automatically engage without requiring manual intervention. The trolley carries its own braking mechanism that activates based on position sensors or mechanical triggers, making the system self-regulating and reducing the need for external control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If manual operation of the cable and pulley system is used, then the system is simple, but significant physical effort is required to move materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoideffort required to move materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The manual cable and pulley system is replaced with a motorized winch mechanism that automatically winds and unwinds the cable to move the trolley along the ladder. This substitution reduces physical effort while maintaining the relatively simple mechanical structure of the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system allows for longer, stronger, and safer transportation of materials and personnel by providing a continuous, tensioned ladder structure with a trolley that can move efficiently along the connected sections while preventing unintended direction changes, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a cable and pulley for moving the trolley along the connected ladder sections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Implementation Method 2

the trolley comprises an automatic brake for preventing the trolley from travelling in one direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a tensioning system attached to each section for tensioning the connected ladder sections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS10669777B2Materials handling system

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 BRIGHT STRUCTURES LTD

AI summary

A materials handling system (10) comprising a first (60) and second ladder (70) section connectable together to form a longer ladder, a tensioning system (100) attached to each section for tensioning the connected ladder sections, and a trolley (110) arranged to travel along the connected ladder sections, wherein the system includes a cable (158) and pulley for moving the trolley along the connected ladder sections.