Movable Ladder With Retractable Casters For Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ladders lack stability and versatility for use at low heights, particularly for transporting tools and articles to be placed on shelves, and do not easily accommodate variable height requirements for repair work.

Innovation Solution

A movable ladder with a metal frame, two folding side platforms, and ascending/descending wheels, featuring a structural design with horizontal and vertical elements, side projections, and hinged platforms for stability and adjustable height, along with retractable casters for easy movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a ladder is designed to be movable with wheels for easy relocation, then ease of operation is improved, but stability during use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of movementVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The ladder employs retractable casters that can be raised or lowered based on operational needs. When movement is required, the casters are lowered to enable easy relocation. When stability is needed for work, the casters are raised to prevent movement. This dynamic adjustment of the caster position resolves the contradiction between ease of movement and stability during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a ladder is designed with fixed length for structural simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different height requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidvariable height capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ladder is divided into telescopic sections that can extend or retract along the side rails. This segmentation allows the ladder to adjust its effective length and reach different heights while maintaining a compact form when not in use. The segmented design with telescopic mechanism provides variable height capability without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a ladder includes platforms for transporting tools and articles, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platforms are integrated into the ladder structure by being mounted on the side rails, combining the transport function with the support structure. The platforms can be adjusted along the rails and secured at different positions, allowing tools and articles to be transported at various heights. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate transport mechanisms and minimizes overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11649677B2Movable ladder

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 GRUPO BIMBO B DE C V

AI summary

Disclosed is a movable ladder formed by a structural element composed of a rear part and two sides, the lower part of the vertical structural elements of the ladder terminating in lateral projections in the form of an inverted “U” that provide the ladder with reliable support on the floor. The ladder is characterised in that it is provided with two collapsible lateral platforms and four wheels that can be raised or lowered to facilitate the movement of the ladder toward the work area.