Multi-Position Ladder With Remote Hinge Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladders are limited in their versatility, requiring multiple types for different tasks, and lack easy reconfiguration for various job requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-position ladder with remote actuation of hinges that allows for conversion between leaning, stepladder, stairway, and straight modes through a telescoping section and a system of actuated hinges controlled by a remote actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ladder is designed with multiple positions and configurations, then its versatility and adaptability improve, but its structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder is divided into multiple sections (front section, rear section with telescoping mechanism) that can be independently configured. The rear section includes telescoping rails that can be extended or retracted to achieve different ladder configurations (leaning, stepladder, stairway, straight), allowing one ladder to perform multiple functions without requiring entirely separate ladder designs for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The ladder incorporates dynamic elements including telescoping rails that can be extended or retracted, and hinges that can be locked or unlocked to change configurations. These dynamic components allow the ladder to transform between different operational modes (leaning, stepladder, stairway, straight) providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation of hinges is required for configuration changes, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge actuation system is designed to be self-operating through a cable mechanism that responds automatically to user input. When the user actuates the control mechanism, cables are pulled to automatically trigger the hinge locking and unlocking actions, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of the hinges themselves. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while keeping the control system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable-based intermediary mechanism is introduced between the user's manual input and the hinge actuation. The cables serve as a mediator that transmits the user's action to the hinge system, automatically initiating the locking or unlocking sequence. This intermediary approach simplifies the user interface while providing reliable control over the hinge positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function ladder having a front section having a first front rail and a rear section. The ladder having a first hinge attached to the first front rail and the first rear rail. The ladder having a second hinge attached to the second front rail and the second rear rail. Each hinge having a locked state and an unlocked state. The ladder having an actuator directly attached to the front section and remote and separate and apart from the first hinge and the second hinge. When the first and second hinges are in the unlocked state, the rear section can be moved between a leaning ladder mode, a step ladder mode, a stairway ladder mode and a straight ladder mode upon which each hinge goes into the locked state in the desired ladder mode.