Rung Wall Ascender With Adjustable Angle And Hydraulic Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ladder-type climbing structures have limitations such as a fixed angle and require a harness or tether for operation, which restricts user flexibility and safety.

Innovation Solution

A rung wall ascender with a support frame, chain or belt transport mechanism, hydraulic braking system, and adjustable angle control, allowing users to climb at various angles without external power or harnesses, using their weight to power the mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed angle ladder structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclimbing angle adjustabilityVSAvoidangle control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ladder structure transitions from a fixed angle configuration to a dynamic, adjustable angle system. The rungs are mounted on a transport mechanism that can rotate or pivot, allowing the climbing surface to be positioned at various angles relative to the support frame, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The climbing angle parameter is made variable through the transport mechanism. By changing the angular parameter of the ladder relative to the support frame, the system achieves multiple climbing configurations without requiring multiple fixed structures, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity through a single adjustable mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a harness or tether is required for operation, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharness-free operationVSAvoidsafety control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the climber's own weight and climbing actions to power the transport mechanism that moves the rungs. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or complex control systems, while the climber's body weight naturally provides the driving force, simplifying operation without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems (such as motorized drives or harness-based controls) with a gravity-driven or friction-based transport mechanism. The rungs are moved along the support frame using simple mechanical principles that respond to the climber's movements, eliminating the need for harnesses while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If an electric motor is used to power the sliding belts, then the productivity is improved, but the use of energy is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclimbing speedVSAvoidelectrical power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transport mechanism is powered by the climber's own weight and movements rather than an external electric motor. As the climber ascends, their body weight drives the mechanism that moves the rungs along the support frame, converting the climber's gravitational potential energy into mechanical motion without requiring external electrical power input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electric motor-driven belt system with a gravity-based or friction-driven mechanical system. The rungs are transported along the support frame using passive mechanical principles where the climber's movements and weight provide the necessary force, eliminating electrical power consumption while maintaining climbing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 a more versatile and safe climbing experience with adjustable angles, eliminating the need for harnesses and electrical power, enhancing user control and reducing wear on the mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

hydraulic braking system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic braking: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

using their weight to power the mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

chain or belt transport mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9440132B2Rung wall ascender

Publication Date: 2016.09.13 BREWERS LEDGE

AI summary

A rung wall ascender including a support frame and a rung ladder transport mechanism positioned at a variable angle relative to the support frame. The rung ladder transport mechanism includes a chain arranged as a loop with rung ladders attached to the chain so as to maintain a ladder-like configuration that rotates downward as the user climbs so as to achieve a continuous climbing experience. A hydraulic cylinder is positioned between the rung ladder transport mechanism and the support frame that adjusts an angle of the rung ladder transport mechanism with respect to the ground. A control for the hydraulic cylinder is positioned proximate to the user. A braking system regulates the speed of the rung ladder transport mechanism while the user is climbing.