Portable Animal Ladder Assembly for Damage-Free Structure Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pet and animal ladders are non-portable, difficult to affix, cause structural damage, and are custom-made, limiting their usability and accessibility for animals entering and exiting structures.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible, portable, adjustable, removable, and detachable ladder assembly with a mounting bracket that can be easily deployed to assist animals, featuring a ladder with adjustable arms, steps, and a stability arm, and includes pads to protect the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If commercially available pet ladders are affixed to structures, then animals can access the structure, but the ladders cause damage to the structure and are difficult to install and remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidstructural damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ladder incorporates a flexible mat or blanket component that can conform to various boat surfaces and gunwales without requiring rigid attachment. This flexible element distributes pressure and prevents damage to the boat structure while providing a secure climbing surface for pets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The ladder design allows for adjustment of parameters such as angle, length, and attachment position to optimize both pet access and structural protection. The flexible nature of the mat allows it to adapt to different boat configurations without causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom-manufactured ladders are made for specific structures, then the ladder fits the structure perfectly, but the ladder becomes non-portable and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure compatibilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ladder is divided into modular segments including adjustable arms, individual rungs, and a flexible mat section. These segments can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing the ladder to be customized for different boat types while remaining portable and reusable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ladder incorporates dynamic, adjustable components that can be configured for different structures. The arms can be positioned at various angles and lengths, and the flexible mat adapts to different gunwale shapes, providing custom-fit functionality without requiring custom manufacturing for each structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If traditional ladders are used for pet access, then animals can enter and exit structures, but the ladders are non-portable and difficult to deploy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of deploymentVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible mat or blanket component can be easily rolled up, folded, or carried, making the entire ladder highly portable. This flexible element serves as both the climbing surface and a protective interface with the boat, eliminating the need for heavy rigid construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The ladder's modular segmented design allows each component to be lightweight and easily handled. The separate arms, rungs, and flexible mat can be independently managed during transport and quickly assembled when needed, greatly improving ease of deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260062997A1Animal ladders and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 NAUTI DAWGS LLC

AI summary

Collapsible, portable, adjustable, removable, and/or detachable ladders and methods that can be easily deployed to assist a dog or other animal when entering or exiting a structure.