Telescopic Ladder Stand-Off Arms for Compact Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stand-off devices for ladders are often bulky, making them inconvenient for storage and use in compact spaces, such as service vans, and often require removal when not in use, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic ladder with stand-off arm assemblies that feature a hinge mechanism allowing the stand-off arms to pivot between aligned and angled positions, with the ability to retract fully into the ladder stile for compact storage, and a cross-member design that can lie on top of the ladder when not in use, minimizing storage obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stand-off devices are made bulky to provide adequate spacing and stability, then safety and comfort are improved, but storage space requirements increase and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stand-off device employs a telescopic mechanism that allows the stand-off arms to dynamically adjust their length. When deployed, the arms extend to provide adequate spacing for safety; when stored, they retract to minimize volume. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining safety requirements and reducing storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand-off arms are designed to nest within the ladder structure when retracted. The telescopic arms slide into hollow sections of the ladder stiles, and the hinge mechanism folds compactly against the ladder body. This nesting arrangement allows the bulky stand-off device to be stored within the existing ladder volume, eliminating the need for separate storage space.
2Volume of moving object
If stand-off arms are made telescopic to reduce storage space, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic mechanism is integrated with the existing ladder structure rather than being a separate assembly. The stand-off arms utilize the hollow sections of the ladder stiles as their telescopic guides, and the hinge mechanism is mounted directly on the ladder rails. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure despite the telescopic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow sections of the ladder stiles serve dual purposes: they provide structural support for the ladder and simultaneously serve as telescopic guides for the stand-off arms. The hinge mechanism not only connects the stand-off arms to the ladder but also provides a pivot point for adjusting the arm angles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
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 solution allows for a compact storage and deployment of the ladder while maintaining stability and ease of use, as the stand-off arms can be easily extended and locked into position, and the cross-member design does not obstruct storage or usage when not deployed.
Implementation Method 1
each stand off arm assembly has a base part and an stand off arm, said base part and stand off arm being interconnected by a hinge that allows the stand off arm to be pivoted between a position in alignment with the base part and an angled stand off position
Data Source
AI summary
A portable ladder has two stiles interconnected by rungs. The ladder is provided with a stand off device, including two stand off arm assemblies, each being telescopically inserted into a receiving space. Each stand off arm assembly has a base part and a stand off arm interconnected by a hinge that allows the stand off arm to be pivoted between a position in alignment with the base part and an angled stand off position. The stand off arm assemblies are each configured such that—in extended position—the hinge is located outside the receiving space with the base part being located within said receiving space, and also such that—in retracted position—the base part, the hinge, as well as at least a portion of the stand off arm are located within the receiving space.