Modular Staircase Step with Bracket Riser Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular staircases often require a high number of complex construction elements, making it difficult to vary the geometry and mount them quickly and easily, especially in adjusting the riser between steps.

Innovation Solution

A modular staircase design using a limited number of construction elements, where steps are assembled with vertically extending beams and perpendicularly projecting brackets, allowing for easy adjustment of the riser through spacer elements and quick mounting, with the brackets and tread portion made from metal sheets and supported by internal and external support bodies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a high number of structurally complex construction elements are used to vary the geometry of the staircase, then the riser between steps can be adjusted, but the mounting becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveriser adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of construction elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The step is divided into distinct functional segments: a support body with vertically extending beams, upper brackets projecting perpendicularly from the sides, lower brackets for securing to adjacent steps, and spacer elements for riser adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The brackets serve multiple functions: they support the tread portion, secure the step to adjacent steps, and work with spacer elements to adjust the riser height. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, addressing the complexity issue while maintaining geometric adaptability.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a high number of structurally complex construction elements are used to make the staircase, then the geometry can be varied, but the mounting requires more time and skill

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometry variation capabilityVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The step components are pre-configured with brackets and beams positioned to facilitate quick assembly. The upper and lower brackets are pre-attached to the support body in the correct positions and orientations, allowing for rapid mounting to adjacent steps without requiring complex alignment or specialized tools during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The inclusion of spacer elements between brackets allows for dynamic adjustment of the riser height during assembly. This enables the staircase geometry to be adapted to different spatial requirements while maintaining a standardized component structure that simplifies the mounting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a limited number of construction elements are used, then the mounting becomes simpler and quicker, but the structural reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidstructural reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The upper bracket, lower bracket, and support body are merged into a single integrated step component. This consolidation maintains structural reliability by ensuring proper load paths and connection points while reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled, thereby simplifying the mounting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The step utilizes composite construction combining metal sheets for the brackets and beams with appropriate joining means. This composite approach ensures structural reliability through material selection while maintaining a limited number of components that are easy to assemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If a limited number of construction elements are used, then the cost is reduced, but the functionality to adjust geometry may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidgeometry adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer elements provide a parameter-based solution for geometry adjustment. By changing the number, size, or position of spacer elements between the brackets, the riser height can be adjusted to meet different geometric requirements. This maintains adaptability while using a limited number of standardized components, reducing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3347542B1Step for modular staircase
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 STAIRS STUDIO SRL
  • EP3347542B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3347542B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3347542B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The step for modular staircases comprises a portion of tread (2) associated with a support body (3) suitable for permitting the reciprocal assembly of the adjacent steps (1). The support body (3) comprises a pair of beams extending substantially vertically, suitable for being arranged facing one another in mounting position so as to define respective sides (40) of the step (1). Protruding perpendicular from the sides (40) are a respective upper bracket (5) and a respective lower bracket (6), suitable one for supporting in support said portion of tread (2) and the other for being secured to an opposite bracket (5) of an adjacent step (1).