Free-Standing Stairway Riser-Tread Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stairway construction using stringers, support structures, and suspension cables compromises aesthetics while failing to achieve the necessary strength, durability, and load-carrying capacity, especially in free-standing designs.
Innovation Solution
The design employs an alternating series of risers and treads where each tread is sandwiched and secured between two risers, using socket head cap screws and split lock washers, allowing for a free-standing stairway configuration without additional structural elements, with optional landings and varying mounting arrangements for enhanced stability and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional structural members (stringers, support structures, beams, suspension cables) are used to achieve requisite strength and load-carrying capacity, then structural reliability is improved, but aesthetics deteriorate due to cluttered appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The riser serves dual functions: it provides the vertical structural support and simultaneously acts as the structural member that carries and supports the tread. By merging the riser and tread support functions into a single integrated component, the design eliminates the need for separate stringers or support structures, achieving both aesthetic simplicity and structural reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the conventional structural members (stringers, support structures, beams, suspension cables) from the stairway design. By taking out these clutter-inducing elements and relying solely on the riser-tread integration, the design achieves the desired clean aesthetic while maintaining structural integrity through the alternating series configuration
2Shape
If free-standing stairway configuration is implemented to achieve clean and uncluttered aesthetics, then aesthetics are improved, but structural stability deteriorates without conventional support members
Solution Approach 1:
The stairway is segmented into alternating risers and treads that form self-supporting units. Each riser is independently positioned and supports its own tread, creating a segmented structure where stability is distributed across multiple discrete elements rather than relying on continuous support members. The alternating configuration provides mutual support and stability without requiring conventional stringers
Solution Approach 2:
The riser acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the need for aesthetic simplicity and structural stability. By positioning risers alternately and having each riser support its own tread, the design creates an intermediate structural system that achieves free-standing stability without conventional support members
3Strength
If multiple structural members are used to ensure strength and durability under variable loading, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The riser is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it provides vertical support, carries the tread, resists variable loading from user weight and movement, and contributes to overall structural stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized structural members, reducing complexity while maintaining strength and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters by eliminating conventional support members and relying on the riser's enhanced load-carrying capacity and the alternating configuration. By changing how the structure is parameterized (from multiple members to integrated riser-tread units), the design achieves necessary strength with reduced complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A stairway having an alternating series of risers and treads wherein two risers and a tread form a step structure for use in constructing the stairway. The step structure including a first riser having a front portion and a rear portion, a tread having a support surface and an opposite surface, a second riser having a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the tread is positioned between the rear portion of the first riser and the front portion of the second riser and wherein the second riser of one step structure becomes the first riser of the next-up step structure.