Removable Vehicle Ladder Assembly With Telescopic Pivot Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder assemblies for vehicles are typically permanently connected or cumbersome to install, remove, and stow due to their size and functionality, complicating access to vehicle roof sections.
Innovation Solution
A ladder assembly with a case and a telescopically expandable, pivotably connected ladder that is releasably engageable with a vehicle, featuring locking mechanisms and pivot members for adjustable orientation, allowing for easy installation, removal, and stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ladder assembly is made permanently connected to the vehicle, then the stability and reliability of the ladder are improved, but the ease of operation for installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder assembly employs a dynamic connection system with movable locking mechanisms that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking mechanism includes a locking member that can engage with a locking feature on the vehicle, providing stable connection when needed, while also allowing easy release when removal is required. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling both permanent-like stability during use and easy operability during installation/removal.
2Ease of operation
If the ladder assembly is made removable from the vehicle, then the ease of operation for installation and removal is improved, but the stability and reliability of the ladder connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates a locking mechanism with a locking member that can engage with a locking feature on the vehicle. When locked, the connection provides sufficient stability for safe use. The locking mechanism can be easily actuated to release the connection when removal is needed. This dynamic locking capability allows the removable ladder to achieve both ease of operation and adequate connection stability.
3Volume of moving object
If the ladder is made telescopic with multiple segments, then the compactness for stowage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder employs a telescopic design where multiple ladder segments are nested within each other when retracted, significantly reducing the stowage volume. The segments can be extended sequentially to provide the required ladder length. This nesting arrangement achieves compact stowage while managing structural complexity through a systematic segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic ladder incorporates locking mechanisms at each segment that can engage to maintain the extended configuration during use. These locking features provide structural stability while allowing the ladder to transition between compact and extended states. The dynamic locking capability enables the complex telescopic structure to function reliably without excessive complexity in operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the ladder is made adjustable in angular orientation, then the adaptability for different access needs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder assembly incorporates a pivot mechanism that allows the ladder to rotate relative to the vehicle body, enabling adjustment to different angular orientations for various access needs. The pivot mechanism includes locking features that can secure the ladder at different angles. This dynamic pivoting capability provides adaptability while managing the complexity through a focused rotational degree of freedom rather than multiple independent adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder assembly is disclosed that is configured for use with a vehicle. The ladder assembly includes a case and a ladder defining a longitudinal axis. The case include at least one engagement member that is configured for releasable engagement with the vehicle such that the ladder assembly is removably connectable thereto. The ladder is reconfigurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration and is pivotably connected to the case to allow for adjustment in an angular orientation of the ladder. In certain embodiments, the ladder assembly may further include one or more locking mechanisms that are configured to fix the angular orientation and/or the vertical position of the ladder.