Remote Extendable Ladder Cable Pulley Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-form ladders require direct grasping and laying down on the ground for reconfiguration, making the process inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

The use of pulleys and hoist ropes allows for the extension and retraction of ladder sections while standing on the ground, enabling indirect control and reducing the need for manual handling and ground placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the ladder is laid on the ground for reconfiguration, then the ladder sections can be easily reconfigured, but the process takes time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of reconfigurationVSAvoidtime for reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A cable system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the ladder sections. The cable connects to the fly section and base section, allowing the user to extend or retract sections by pulling or releasing the cable from a remote position, eliminating the need to physically grasp and manually move the heavy ladder sections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical system of directly grasping and moving ladder sections is replaced with a cable-pulley system. The cable runs through guides and attaches to the ladder sections, converting direct manual handling into a remote cable-pulling operation that reduces physical effort and time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the ladder sections are extended by direct grasping, then the sections can be moved to the desired position, but the process requires significant manual effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of section extensionVSAvoidmanual effort required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The cable serves as a force-transmitting intermediary that connects the user's pulling action to the ladder sections. Instead of directly applying force to move the heavy sections, the user pulls the cable which transmits this force through guides and attachments to extend the fly section relative to the base section with minimal effort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The extension mechanism operates in a different dimensional space by using a cable that runs through guides and attaches at strategic points. This allows the user to apply force in a convenient direction (pulling the cable) rather than directly lifting or pushing the heavy ladder sections, effectively changing the dimension of force application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Facilitates efficient and effortless reconfiguration of multi-form ladders by allowing users to adjust and extend/retract sections while maintaining the ladder's upright position, enhancing convenience and reducing effort.

Implementation Method 1

by using pulleys and hoist ropes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Implementation Method 2

The present invention pertains to a multipurpose ladder which can be extended or retracted while either in the A mode or as a straight ladder, without having to be placed on the ground, by using pulleys and hoist ropes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP4026981B1Remote extendable ladder and methods
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 WERNER CO
  • EP4026981B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4026981B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4026981B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multipurpose ladder having a first pulley attached adjacent a top of a first base right rail. The ladder includes a first anchor attached adjacent a bottom of the first fly right rail. The ladder comprises a first cable having a free end and a fixed end. The fixed end attached to the first anchor. The first cable extending from the first anchor about the first pulley and past the first pulley so the free end extends past the first pulley. When the free end is pulled, the first fly right rail is moved relative to the first base right rail by the first cable engaged with the first pulley and the fixed end attached to the first anchor. A method for using a multipurpose ladder. A method for producing a multipurpose.