Retractable Ladder Side-Mounted Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to provide a ladder access solution for motorhomes and travel trailers that maximizes interior space while adhering to width regulations and avoids compromising the roof structure, which is often weakened by traditional ladder mounting methods, potentially leading to leaks and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A retractable ladder system with pivoting mounting apparatus that attaches to the sides of the vehicle, featuring brackets and arms that pivot between horizontal and vertical positions, eliminating the need for ground support and allowing the ladder to be stored without adding width, thus avoiding roof attachment and its associated risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed side mounted ladder is added to access the roof, then ladder access is provided, but the overall width increases violating FMVSF standards and creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to extend when needed for access and retract to minimize width. The mounting apparatus includes arms that can pivot between extended and retracted positions, transforming the ladder from a static width-increasing element to a dynamic component that only occupies space during active use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the ladder to extend laterally from the side (adding width in the horizontal dimension), the invention uses a mounting apparatus that allows the ladder to be stored in a vertical position against the side of the motorhome. This shifts the storage configuration from horizontal extension to vertical orientation, eliminating width violation while maintaining access capability.
2Ease of operation
If ladders are mounted to the rear of motorhomes, then ladder access is provided, but rear views are blocked and mounting is not feasible for toy haulers with full width rear doors
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is designed to be universally applicable to different motorhome configurations. It can be installed on the sides of various vehicle types including traditional motorhomes and toy haulers with full width rear doors. The bracket and arm mechanism provides a standardized mounting solution that adapts to different vehicle geometries without requiring rear mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the ladder at the rear where it would block views and where mounting is infeasible for certain vehicle types, the invention inverts the approach by mounting the ladder on the side of the motorhome. The retractable mounting apparatus allows side mounting without the drawbacks of fixed side ladders, providing unobstructed rear views while enabling ladder access.
3Strength
If brackets attach to the motorhome or trailer roofs to support ladders, then ladder support is provided, but the roof is compromised resulting in leaks and weakened mounting points
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the ladder support function from the roof structure and relocates it to the side mounting apparatus. The brackets and arms are mounted to the side of the motorhome or trailer body, completely removing the load-bearing function from the roof. This separation eliminates roof penetration and associated leakage risks while maintaining adequate ladder support capacity through the side-mounted pivot mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The side-mounted bracket and arm assembly serves as an intermediary structure between the vehicle body and the ladder. Instead of directly attaching ladder brackets to the roof (which compromises roof integrity), the intermediary mounting apparatus transfers the ladder load to the side structure. This mediator protects the roof from direct mechanical attachment while still providing secure ladder support through the pivot mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable ladder for a motorhome or trailer includes pivoting mounting apparatus providing total support for a ladder and climber in an open position. The apparatus includes brackets which mount on the side of the motorhome or trailer and arms which pivot in the brackets. The brackets mount to the sides of the motorhome or trailer only and therefore do not compromise the roof of the motorhome or trailer. The ladder attaches to the ends of the arms. The brackets include flanges which the arms rest against in the open position and pins for retaining the arms in the open position, thereby eliminating any need for the ladder to be supported by the ground. The pins may further be inserted through the brackets to retain the ladder in a closed position. Backing plates or the like may be provided behind the motorhome or trailer body to securely attach the brackets.