Modular Pool Ladder with Adjustable Leg Extensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool ladders require multiple designs for different deck heights, are difficult to ship and assemble due to numerous components, and often necessitate specialized tools, leading to increased manufacturing and shipping costs and user complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular pool ladder design featuring leg extensions with continuous profiles, tread supports, and handrails that can be assembled tool-free, allowing for adjustable deck height compatibility and reduced component complexity through a single mold process for plastic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ladder models are designed for different deck heights, then compliance with APSP ladder codes is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder leg incorporates an adjustable mechanism with multiple position settings that allow the ladder height to be dynamically changed according to different deck heights. This enables a single ladder model to adapt to various deck heights (48-60 inches) by adjusting the leg extension position, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-height ladder models while maintaining APSP code compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ladder design integrates multiple functions into a single model: it can accommodate different deck heights through adjustable legs, provide stable support through the A-frame structure, and ensure user safety with non-slip treads. This universal design allows one ladder model to replace multiple specialized models, reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements.
2Ease of operation
If ladders are shipped assembled, then product readiness is improved, but shipping cost and difficulty increase due to large size
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder is designed as an assemble-from-components kit rather than a pre-assembled unit. The main components (leg assemblies, tread supports, handrails) are segmented into separate pieces that can be compactly packaged. This segmentation reduces shipping volume and allows standard packaging methods to be used, while the included instructions enable easy assembly by the end user to achieve product readiness.
3Strength
If numerous components are used in ladder assembly, then structural integrity is improved, but assembly difficulty and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design combines multiple fastening functions into integrated connection mechanisms where leg assemblies connect to tread supports through built-in attachment features. This merging of components reduces the number of separate fasteners and tools needed while maintaining structural integrity. The A-frame configuration with cross-bracing provides inherent structural strength without requiring excessive numbers of individual fastening elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A pool ladder may have a first and second leg extension, each having a generally continuous profile; a first tread may comprise first and second through-holes, the first through-hole being sized to slidingly receive the generally continuous profile of the first leg extension, and the second through-hole being sized to slidingly receive the generally continuous profile of the second leg extension; and a first and second tread support. The first tread support may be engaged at a tread location on the first leg extension and may be separate from the first leg extension. The second tread support may be engaged at a tread location on the second leg extension and may be separate from the second leg extension. Each of the first and second tread supports may protrude from the respective leg extension a sufficient amount to prevent the first and second through-holes from sliding past the tread locations.