Modular Slide With Detachable Stepladder For Compact Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional children's slides require significant space for storage, are difficult to handle, and are costly due to their complex construction, making them impractical for frequent use and disposal.

Innovation Solution

A modular slide design comprising a pivotable stepladder and slide element, where the slide element is detachably connected to the stepladder via adjustable holding elements, allowing for flexible use and space-saving storage, utilizing a conventional stepladder for stability and reducing additional storage needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a one-piece slide design is used, then the slide structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the slide requires considerable storage space and is difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The slide is divided into separate components: a slide element and a stepladder. The slide element can be detached from the stepladder using retaining elements, allowing the slide portion to be stored separately in a compact form, thereby reducing storage space requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a one-piece slide design is used, then the structural integrity is high, but the slide is difficult to handle and requires more storage space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The slide is segmented into a slide element and stepladder that can be easily assembled and disassembled through retaining elements connecting to crossbars. This segmentation maintains structural integrity during use while enabling easy handling and transport when disassembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stepladder incorporates a pivotable connection between the ladder section and support section, allowing the ladder to be folded and unfolded dynamically. This dynamic structure enables easy handling and compact storage while providing stable support when assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed-width slide design is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the slide cannot be used with different ladders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidladder compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining elements are designed with adjustable positions on the slide element, allowing them to be repositioned to accommodate different ladder widths. This universal design enables the same slide element to be used with various ladders conforming to the EN 131 standard, increasing versatility without significantly complicating manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining elements incorporate adjustable mechanisms that allow their position to be dynamically changed relative to the sliding surface. This adjustability enables the slide to adapt to different ladder configurations while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, reduces storage space, and lowers production costs while ensuring safety and stability, as the slide can be adapted to various ladder widths and easily handled for reuse.

Implementation Method 1

The ladder section and support section can be swivelled relative to each other, allowing the ladder to be folded up to save space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFolding: Folding

Implementation Method 2

the slide element has at least one retaining element which can be detachably connected to a crossbar of the support section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

children can move down easily and effortlessly due to gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

a sliding surface, made of a relatively smooth material with a low coefficient of friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3787763B1Slide
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 HOLLINGER GERHARD
  • EP3787763B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3787763B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3787763B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed is a slide (1) comprising a sliding element (3) that has a sliding surface (10), and comprising a propped-up ladder (2), in particular a step ladder, which includes a ladder part (4) and a support part (6) that are pivotably connected to one another. On said slide (1), the sliding element (3) includes at least one retaining element (12) that can be detachably connected to a cross-bar (9) of the support part (6).