Telescopic Ladder Hatch Access with Automatic Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access devices for elevated locations, such as lofts, are often bulky, complex, and difficult to install and use, consuming unnecessary space and posing safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A compact, telescopic ladder system with interlocking sliding elements and automatic actuators that can be fully stored within a hatch opening, featuring a locking mechanism to secure the ladder in both retracted and extended positions, and a pivotable support frame for easy installation and use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a traditional ladder structure is used to gain access to elevated locations, then access functionality is provided, but the device becomes bulky and consumes excessive space when fitted and stored

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace consumptionVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a telescopic ladder structure where multiple ladder sections are nested within each other, allowing the ladder to be compactly stored within the loft hatch opening when not in use, and extended to full length when needed for access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The ladder is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can independently extend and retract, with each section containing locking mechanisms to secure the extended position, enabling compact storage while maintaining structural integrity during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If a compact telescopic ladder is used to reduce space consumption, then volume is reduced, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to install

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace consumptionVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates automatic locking mechanisms that engage when ladder sections are extended to their designated positions, and automatic unlocking when retracted, eliminating the need for manual operation of complex locking systems and simplifying installation and use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the ladder is made more compact for better storage, then space efficiency improves, but safety risks increase due to difficult operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace consumptionVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual locking mechanisms with spring-loaded automatic locking systems that use elastic potential energy to secure ladder sections in extended positions, providing reliable safety engagement without requiring complex manual operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates safety features such as overload protection mechanisms and automatic locking that engage before dangerous conditions can develop, preventing accidents rather than merely responding to them

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed mounting structure is used to support the ladder, then stability is improved, but the device consumes excessive space in the access aperture and surrounding areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveladder stabilityVSAvoidaperture space consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a fixed mounting structure to a dynamic telescopic system where the ladder sections can extend and retract along guided rails, providing stability during use while minimizing space consumption when retracted within the hatch opening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3221545B1Extendable access device

Publication Date: 2020.02.26 BEARD MICHAEL

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a particularly compact and safe extendable access device for gaining access to elevated locations via a hatch opening. The access device comprises a telescopic ladder with a plurality of sliding elements movable between an extended position and a retracted position, each sliding element comprising two stiles connected by a rung. The stiles of each sliding element are interlocked with the stiles of adjacent sliding elements, wherein each sliding element comprises a first locking mechanism for releasably connecting at least one of the stiles to an adjacent stile of an adjacent sliding element, the first locking mechanism being adapted to lock each sliding element in its retracted position. The first locking mechanism of each sliding element is adapted to releasably connect at least one stile of each sliding element to a stile of an adjacent sliding element, which is closer to a top end of the telescopic ladder, and is adapted to automatically disconnect said stiles once an adjacent sliding element, which is closer to a bottom end of the telescopic ladder, is in its extended position. The first locking mechanism is adapted to automatically connect the at least one stile of said sliding element to a stile of the adjacent sliding element, which is closer to a top end of the telescopic ladder, when the adjacent sliding element, which is closer to the bottom end of the telescopic ladder, is moved from its extended position towards its retracted position.