Pivotable Ladder Rack with Ratchet Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder racks for vehicles are limited in the number of ladders they can securely accommodate, often leading to ladders becoming loose and potentially causing damage during transport.
Innovation Solution
A ladder rack system with pivotably mounted rails, a rotatable connector bar, and adjustable arms with link members and ladder locks, allowing for secure stacking and retention of multiple ladders without additional securing structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If users stack multiple ladders on prior art racks using bungie cords or other methods, then the quantity of ladders transported increases, but the reliability of ladder securing deteriorates resulting in ladders coming loose
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into multiple individual ladder slots, each with its own locking mechanism. Each slot independently secures one ladder through a ratchet-and-strap system, preventing interdependence between ladders. This segmentation allows multiple ladders to be secured reliably without relying on collective securing methods like bungie cords.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack incorporates adjustable and movable components including telescopic side rails that can extend or retract, and rotating locking arms that adapt to different ladder positions. This dynamic design allows the rack to accommodate varying numbers of ladders while maintaining secure locking through mechanical advantage in the ratchet system.
2Productivity
If prior art racks are designed for limited ladder capacity, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity of ladder transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack design uses standardized, modular components that can accommodate different numbers and sizes of ladders. The telescopic side rails and universal locking mechanisms serve multiple functions: they secure ladders, adjust to different configurations, and provide structural support. This multi-functionality increases transport capacity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack employs nested structural elements where inner components are housed within outer frameworks. The locking arms nest within the side rails, and the ratchet mechanisms are integrated into the overall structure. This nesting allows the rack to maintain a compact form when not in use while expanding capacity when needed.
3Ease of operation
If ladders are stacked on prior art racks without proper securing, then the ease of operation increases, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen causing damage to ladders, vehicle, and surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The rack incorporates pre-positioned locking arms and ratchet mechanisms that are ready to engage with ladders as they are placed on the rack. The design anticipates potential loosening during transport and provides continuous mechanical restraint through gravity-assisted ratchet engagement. This preliminary anti-action prevents ladders from shifting or falling without requiring active user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet-and-strap locking system is designed to automatically engage and secure ladders as they are loaded onto the rack. The mechanical advantage of the ratchet mechanism allows the system to self-lock under the weight of the ladders, providing secure retention without requiring additional securing actions from the user. The system serves itself by using the ladder's own weight to tighten and lock the securing mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder rack system for accommodating at least two stacked ladders thereon is disclosed. The system may have a stationary forward roof rail and a stationary rear roof rail. Pivotable ladder rack rear and pivotable ladder rack forward rails may also be provided. The ladder rack rear and forward rails may be selectively moved with respect to the stationary forward and rear roof rails via links that are connected to a connector bar and lever arm.