Three-Section Extension Ladder Folding for Compact Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional two-section extension ladders are bulky when retracted, making maneuverability, indoor use, storage, and transportation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A three-section extension ladder design with a base, intermediate, and top fly sections, featuring a handle formed by interlocking strap portions, allowing the sections to fold into a cube for easy lifting and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-section extension ladder is used, then the ladder provides sufficient working height, but the retracted length becomes bulky making maneuverability and storage difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder is divided into three separate sections (base section, intermediate fly section, and top fly section) that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the ladder to be extended to the required working height while also enabling it to be retracted into a more compact configuration for easier maneuverability and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fly sections are designed to nest within the base section when retracted, with the intermediate fly section sliding into the base section and the top fly section sliding into the intermediate fly section. This nesting arrangement minimizes the retracted length while maintaining the ability to extend to full working height.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a two-section extension ladder is used, then the ladder provides sufficient working height, but storage and transportation become difficult due to bulky dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the ladder into three collapsible sections, the overall volume when stored or transported is significantly reduced compared to a traditional two-section design. Each section can be independently positioned to achieve a compact storage configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The ladder incorporates sliding mechanisms that allow the sections to dynamically adjust their relative positions. When stored or transported, the sections slide into a compact nested configuration, reducing volume. When in use, the sections can be extended to the required length, providing adaptability for different storage and operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a three-section design is implemented, then maneuverability and storage are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into three sections does increase the number of components, each section uses standardized sliding and locking mechanisms that simplify the overall design. The repetition of similar mechanical elements across sections reduces design complexity compared to creating entirely unique mechanisms for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly combines multiple functions: it serves as the lifting mechanism, incorporates the locking mechanism for securing the fly section, and integrates the strap system for securing the ladder during transport. By merging these functions into a single integrated assembly, the overall device complexity is reduced despite having three sections.
Data Source
AI summary
An extension ladder including a base section and an intermediate fly section. The intermediate fly section slidably attached to the base section. The extension ladder including a top fly section. The top fly section sliding attached to the intermediate fly. The extension ladder including a handle having a first strap portion attached to the base section having a first buckle portion, and a second strap portion attached to the top fly section having a second buckle portion that engages with the first buckle portion when the base section, intermediate fly section and top fly section are in a folded state where they essentially form a shape of a cube so the base section, intermediate fly section and top fly section can be lifted by the handle. The present invention pertains to a method of moving an extension ladder.