Remote Controlled Overhead Ladder Motorized Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead ladders are cumbersome to operate due to their heavy and cumbersome sections, and lack a satisfactory remote-controlled system for folding, unfolding, and closing, making it difficult to access elevated structures efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled motorized sectional overhead ladder system with a lifting cable and drive apparatus that allows sections to be folded and unfolded automatically in response to a remote signal, featuring a drive motor, pulleys, and a spring mechanism for safe operation and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of overhead ladder sections is used, then the ladder can be extended and retracted, but the sections are heavy and cumbersome to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an automated motorized system. A motorized winch mechanism with cable and pulley systems automatically extends and retracts the ladder sections, eliminating the need for manual handling of the heavy sections while maintaining the mechanical lifting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ladder system performs its own extension and retraction operations through the automated motorized winch mechanism. The system self-regulates the lifting and lowering of sections without requiring external manual intervention, making the heavy sections manageable through automated self-service operation.
2Extent of automation
If existing powered arrangements are used to extend and retract the stair portion, then automation is achieved, but the systems are not entirely satisfactory in providing complete remote controlled operation
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized winch mechanism serves multiple functions: it extends the ladder sections, retracts them, controls their movement speed, and positions them accurately. This multi-functional automated system provides complete remote control capability for all ladder operations including extension, retraction, and positioning, making the system universally capable of all required functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary between the user and the motorized winch mechanism. This intermediary allows the user to operate the ladder system from a distance, receiving feedback and controlling all operations without physical contact with the heavy sections, achieving complete remote control satisfaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ladder sections are used to span from one surface to another, then access to elevated structures is provided, but the sections are cumbersome to manually extend and retract
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder is divided into multiple hinged sections that can be independently controlled by the motorized winch mechanism. Each section can be extended or retracted separately, allowing the system to adapt to different access requirements while the automated mechanism handles the cumbersome operation of each individual section without manual effort.
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
Enables convenient, efficient, and safe remote operation of overhead ladders, allowing users to access elevated structures without manual effort, with the ability to fold and store sections automatically, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a remote controlled drive apparatus including a lifting cable connected to the first and second sections such that upon receipt of a remote control signal, the lifting cable pivots the second section toward a front surface of the first section
Implementation Method 2
A remote-controlled motorized sectional overhead ladder system with a lifting cable and drive apparatus that allows sections to be folded and unfolded automatically, featuring a drive motor, pulleys, and a spring mechanism for safe operation and storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote controlled overhead ladder system including a ladder structure having at least a first section and a second section. The ladder structure can be mounted to a support structure located above an opening of the overhead surface, and can include a remote controlled lifting cable connected to the first and second sections such that upon receipt of a remote control signal, the lifting cable pivots the second section toward a front surface of the first section until the second section is oriented adjacent to the front surface of the first section, at which time the lifting cable pivots the first section and the adjacent second section as a group toward the overhead surface until the ladder sections are contained above the overhead surface.