Retractable Spiral Staircase With Flush-Floor Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spiral staircases are fixed structures that occupy space and pose safety hazards, are difficult to conceal, and limit the use of the surrounding area.
Innovation Solution
A staircase with steps that can move longitudinally along a column, transitioning between a closed state where the steps form part of the flooring surface and an opened state forming spiraling steps, featuring a landing barrier, outer perimeter assembly, and actuation system to manage the transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the spiral staircase is made fixed and visible, then the structural stability is ensured, but the space utilization is reduced and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The staircase is designed to transition between a retracted state (flush with flooring) and an extended state (visible spiral structure), allowing it to adapt its configuration based on usage requirements. This dynamic capability eliminates the permanent safety hazards of fixed staircases while maintaining structural integrity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The staircase structure is divided into modular components that can be independently controlled, including the steps, handrails, and support column. This segmentation enables precise control over the extension and retraction of each component, ensuring safe operation while maximizing space utilization.
2Strength
If the spiral staircase is fixed in place, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the surrounding space cannot be used for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The staircase transitions from a permanent fixed structure to a movable system that can be retracted into the flooring surface. When retracted, the floor space becomes fully available for other purposes. When extended, the staircase provides structural integrity and safe access between floors.
Solution Approach 2:
The staircase structure is designed to nest within the flooring surface when retracted, with the steps and handrails storing within the floor plane. This nesting capability allows the staircase to occupy minimal space when not in use, maximizing the available floor area for other functions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spiral staircase is exposed and visible, then the structural presence is confirmed, but the privacy and safety between floors are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The staircase can be dynamically adjusted between visible and concealed states. When retracted, the flooring surface provides privacy and safety by hiding the staircase presence. When extended, the structure becomes visible and provides safe access, allowing users to control the balance between privacy and structural presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system serves as an intermediary mechanism that controls the transition between the retracted and extended states. This intermediary system enables precise control over when the staircase is visible or concealed, allowing users to manage privacy and safety based on specific needs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the staircase structure is made movable and controllable, then the space utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is designed to perform multiple functions: extending and retracting the steps, controlling the handrails, and managing the overall staircase configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maximizing space utilization flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A staircase is provided that includes a column and steps. Each step: is coupled to the column and extends outside of, and away from, the column; includes a tread surface; and can move longitudinally along the column. The staircase can transition to a plurality of states by an actuation system, including closed and open states. The closed state includes the steps positioned at the upper end with the tread surfaces of the plurality of steps oriented around the upper end and coplanar to a flooring surface of the upper floor. The opened state includes the steps positioned at varying distances longitudinally along the column from the upper end towards the lower end so as to form spiraling steps around the column between the upper and lower floors. The steps can move longitudinally along the column for positioning in the closed and opened states.