Sliding Ladder Bracket With Auto-Stow for High-Clearance Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicles face challenges when operating in fields with taller crops, as standard vehicles require ladders for access, which can damage the vehicle or field if not properly stowed during movement.
Innovation Solution
A ladder system featuring a rail, ladder bracket, and air spring that allows the ladder to rotate and be stored securely above the ground, preventing damage during vehicle movement, with a bumper and retaining pin mechanism for stability and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ladder is attached to a high-clearance vehicle for operator access, then the operator can safely access the cab and vehicle parts, but the ladder may be damaged, the vehicle may be damaged, or the field may be damaged if the ladder is not properly stowed before moving the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The air spring automatically raises the ladder to a stored position on the vehicle before movement, preventing damage in advance. The system performs the stowing action proactively based on vehicle motion detection or automatic activation, ensuring the ladder is clear of potential contact points before the vehicle moves.
Solution Approach 2:
The air spring mechanism provides automatic operation of the ladder system without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The system self-activates to raise and store the ladder when the vehicle begins to move, eliminating the need for the operator to manually fold or detach the ladder.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the operator manually folds or detaches the ladder before moving the vehicle, then damage can be prevented, but this requires additional manual operation and time
Solution Approach 1:
The air spring mechanism provides automatic operation of the ladder system without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The system self-activates to raise and store the ladder when the vehicle begins to move, eliminating the need for the operator to manually fold or detach the ladder.
Solution Approach 2:
The air spring automatically raises the ladder to a stored position on the vehicle before movement, preventing damage in advance. The system performs the stowing action proactively based on vehicle motion detection or automatic activation, ensuring the ladder is clear of potential contact points before the vehicle moves.
3Ease of operation
If the ladder is kept in a fixed position on the vehicle, then it is always accessible, but it cannot be stored when not in use and poses damage risk during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic configuration that can change between extended and retracted positions. The air spring enables the ladder to automatically adjust its position based on operational needs, extending when access is required and retracting when the vehicle moves.
Solution Approach 2:
The air spring automatically raises the ladder to a stored position on the vehicle before movement, preventing damage in advance. The system performs the stowing action proactively based on vehicle motion detection or automatic activation, ensuring the ladder is clear of potential contact points before the vehicle moves.
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
The ladder system provides safe and damage-free access to agricultural vehicles, even in uneven terrain, by maintaining stability without resting on the ground and ensuring the ladder is securely stored when the vehicle is in motion.
Implementation Method 1
an air spring coupling the ladder to the ladder bracket and configured to apply a force to the ladder when the ladder is in the lowered position to keep the ladder in the lowered position
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder system includes a rail, a ladder bracket supported by and configured to slide along the first rail and the second rail, a ladder coupled to the ladder bracket and configured to rotate with respect to the ladder bracket between a lowered position and a storage position, and a bumper coupled to the ladder and configured to apply a force to a bumper stop when the ladder is in the lowered position to keep the ladder bracket from sliding along the rail. An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis supported by a plurality of wheels, and a ladder system carried by the chassis. Related methods are also disclosed.