Stair Climber Platform with Overturning Mechanism for Narrow Stairs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aids for people with motor disabilities to navigate staircases, such as goods lifts and stairclimbers, require significant structural work, are costly, and have a negative visual impact, making them unsuitable for all buildings and aesthetically unappealing, especially in historical structures, and often require assistance and emphasize the user's disability.

Innovation Solution

A mobility aid system comprising a box-shaped frame with a lifting platform that can be attached to staircases without major architectural changes, featuring a driving mechanism for vertical movement and an overturning mechanism for horizontal alignment, allowing for easy installation and minimal visual obstruction when not in use, and can be customized for various staircase configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed stairclimbers anchored to the wall are used, then staircase navigation is enabled, but installation and maintenance costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestaircase navigation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stairclimber is divided into modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The frame structure consists of separate sections that can be attached to individual steps, allowing for simple installation without significant structural modifications and easy maintenance by replacing only the affected module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates self-stabilizing mechanisms and automatic positioning features that reduce the need for professional installation and maintenance services. The system can be adjusted and maintained by users or non-specialists through simple operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If fixed stairclimbers anchored to the wall are installed, then staircase access is provided, but the staircase appearance is significantly affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestaircase access capabilityVSAvoidstaircase appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The stairclimber employs a dynamic design where the frame and platform can move or adjust their position. When not in use, the platform can be retracted or positioned to minimize visual impact, while during operation it provides full accessibility. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt its appearance based on usage needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If free stairclimbers are used, then flexibility for narrow staircases is improved, but user independence decreases due to requiring guidance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to narrow staircasesVSAvoiduser independence
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stairclimber incorporates sensors and control systems that provide real-time feedback about the device's position, speed, and stability. This feedback enables automatic adjustments and safety interventions, allowing users to operate the device independently without requiring constant guidance from another person.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If goods lifts are installed, then vertical transport is enabled, but structural work and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical transport capabilityVSAvoidstructural work requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stairclimber is designed as a multi-functional device that can navigate various staircase configurations (straight, L-shaped, U-shaped) and adapt to different step dimensions. This universal design eliminates the need for custom structural modifications for each installation location, as the device can be configured to work with existing staircase structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3481762B1A mobility aid device for overcoming a level difference
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 TEGLIA GIOVANNI
  • EP3481762B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3481762B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2f
  • EP3481762B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an aid device for ascending and/or descending staircases for people with motor disabilities.