HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE LADDER WITH SLIP SENSORS AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

ABSTRACT A height adjustable ladder is equipped with an integrated slip sensor system within its legs, designed to detect slip and measure velocity differences between a pulley-belt system. This system utilizes a strain gauge to sense shear force and adjust the ladder's height, making it adaptable for various spaces and heights. The ladder's design allows for implementation in diverse settings such as homes, industrial environments, and educational institutions, offering a versatile solution to traditional ladder construction challenges.

Specification

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a height adjustable ladder that utilizes slip sensors for precise dimensional adjustments, suitable for various environments such as home, industrial, and educational settings.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Ladders are essential tools used in a variety of settings, including homes, industrial sites, and educational institutions. They provide the necessary height to perform tasks that are otherwise out of reach, such as painting, cleaning, or maintenance work. Traditional ladders, however, come with limitations in terms of adjustability and storage. Fixed-height ladders may not be suitable for all tasks, leading to the need for multiple ladders of different sizes, which can be cumbersome and space-consuming.

[0003] The demand for more versatile and space-efficient solutions has led to the development of adjustable ladders. These ladders offer the flexibility to change their height according to specific needs, making them more adaptable to various tasks and environments. However, existing adjustable ladders often involve complex mechanisms that can be costly and require significant physical space for storage. As such, there is a growing need for innovative solutions that can provide the benefits of adjustability while minimizing cost and space requirements.
SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with embodiments, a height adjustable ladder is provided, comprising a slip sensor system integrated into the ladder legs. This system is configured to detect slip and measure the velocity difference between a pulley-belt system, enabling the ladder's height adjustability. The slip sensor system senses shear force using a strain gauge and measures the velocity difference between a pulley and a belt. The ladder is designed to vary its dimensions to meet specific requirements, making it suitable for both extensive and limited spaces and varying heights.

[0005] In accordance with other embodiments, the height adjustable ladder includes a slip sensor system that comprises a plurality of slip sensors. The pulley-belt system includes a pulley and a belt, with the belt segment passing between the center position of the slip sensor system and the pulley.

[0006] In yet other embodiments, the direction of the slip sensor system is a tangential direction of the center position of the slip sensor system and the center position of the pulley. The slip sensor system is capable of detecting slip in two directions.

[0007] In further embodiments, the slip sensor system includes a strain gauge configured to sense shear force when slip occurs, based on a piezoresistive principle. The ladder is configured to facilitate movement in length, breadth, and vertical directions.

[0008] In additional embodiments, the ladder is configured for use in various settings, including homes, industrial environments, and educational institutions.

[0009] In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method for adjusting the height of a ladder is provided. This method involves integrating a slip sensor system into the ladder legs, detecting slip, and measuring the velocity difference between a pulley-belt system to enable height adjustability. The slip sensor system senses shear force using a strain gauge and measures the velocity difference between a pulley and a belt. The ladder's dimensions are varied to meet specific requirements, making it effective for both extensive and limited spaces and varying heights.

[0010] In accordance with other embodiments of the method, the slip sensor system comprises a plurality of slip sensors, and the pulley-belt system includes a pulley and a belt, with the belt segment passing between the center position of the slip sensor system and the pulley.

[0011] In yet other embodiments of the method, the direction of the slip sensor system is a tangential direction of the center position of the slip sensor system and the center position of the pulley, and the slip sensor system detects slip in two directions.
[0012] In further embodiments of the method, the slip sensor system includes a strain gauge configured to sense shear force when slip occurs, based on a piezoresistive principle. The ladder is configured to facilitate movement in length, breadth, and vertical directions.

[0013] In additional embodiments of the method, the height of the ladder is adjusted by raising or lowering it through the slip sensor system integrated into the ladder legs. This provides an alternative to constructing ladders of varying dimensions, which can be costly and require significant physical space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates integrating a slip sensor system for adjustable ladder height.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates height adjustable ladder
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates Circuit Diagram of a Slip Sensor
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The field of height adjustable ladders has seen developments with the integration of sensor technology, particularly slip sensors, which enhance the functionality and adaptability of ladders in various settings. A height adjustable ladder (100) is equipped with a slip sensor system (110) integrated into the ladder legs (120). This system is designed to detect slip and measure the velocity difference between a pulley-belt system (130), enabling the ladder's height adjustability. The slip sensor system (110) senses shear force using a strain gauge (140) and measures the velocity difference between a pulley (132) and a belt (134). This technology allows the ladder (100) to vary its dimensions to meet specific requirements, making it suitable for extensive and limited spaces and varying heights.

[0018] The slip sensor system (110) comprises a plurality of slip sensors (112), and the pulley-belt system (130) includes the pulley (132) and the belt (134), with the belt segment passing between a center position of the slip sensor system (110) and the pulley (132). The direction of the slip sensor system (110) is a tangential direction of a center position of the slip sensor system (110) and a center position of the pulley (132), allowing slip detection in two directions. The strain gauge (140) is configured to sense shear force when slip occurs based on a piezoresistive principle.

[0019] The slip sensor is structured with a polymer film and dielectric substance, sandwiched between electrodes, allowing for the detection of changes in electrical properties when slip occurs. The sensor operates using the piezoresistive principle, detecting both shear and normal forces. When the ladder legs experience a slip, the sensor detects the change in force, and this results in a measurable shift in electrical resistance. This sensor system is coupled with a Wheatstone bridge circuit to measure the resistance changes, while a three-stage amplifier circuit boosts the weak signals for further processing. Additionally, a 5th order filter is included to filter out irrelevant noise, ensuring that only signals related to slip events reach the analog input channel connected to the ladder's legs. As the slip is detected, the system automatically adjusts the ladder's height or position to ensure stability and prevent accidents. The drawings provide a clear representation of these components and their interworking, including the physical forces acting on the slip sensor and the electronic circuits responsible for processing the sensor data.

[0020] The ladder (100) is configured to facilitate length, breadth, and vertical movement, providing flexibility in usage. This configuration offers an alternative to constructing ladders of varying dimensions, which can involve significant expenses and demand a substantial amount of physical space. The height adjustable ladder (100) is suitable for implementation in homes, industrial environments, and educational institutions, making it a versatile tool for various applications.

[0021] The height of the ladder (100) can also be raised or lowered through the utilization of slip sensors (112) integrated into both the legs (120). The proposed substitute method for constructing ladders of varying dimensions is not without significant expenses and demands a significant amount of physical space.

[0022] The height adjustable ladder (100) operates by integrating a slip sensor system (110) into the ladder legs (120). This system detects slip and measures the velocity difference between a pulley (132) and a belt (134), enabling the ladder (100) to adjust its height. The slip sensor system (110) senses shear force using a strain gauge (140) and measures the velocity difference between the pulley (132) and the belt (134). The ladder's dimensions can be varied to meet specific requirements, making it effective for use in both extensive and limited spaces and at varying heights. The slip sensor system (110) comprises multiple slip sensors (112), and the pulley-belt system (130) includes the pulley (132) and the belt (134), with the belt segment passing between the center position of the slip sensor system (110) and the pulley (132). The direction of the slip sensor system (110) is tangential to the center positions of the slip sensor system (110) and the pulley (132), allowing slip detection in two directions. The strain gauge (140) is configured to sense shear force when slip occurs based on a piezoresistive principle. The ladder (100) is designed to facilitate length, breadth, and vertical movement, providing flexibility in usage.

[0023] The flowchart in Figure 1 illustrates the operational process of the height adjustable ladder (100). It begins with the integration of the slip sensor system (110) into the ladder legs (120). The system then detects slip and measures the velocity difference between the pulley (132) and belt (134). Based on these measurements, the ladder (100) adjusts its height to meet specific requirements. The flowchart further details the steps involved in sensing shear force using the strain gauge (140) and the subsequent adjustment of the ladder's dimensions, ensuring effective use in various spaces and heights.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates height adjustable ladder which shows the placement of foot, slip sensors and the legs of the ladder.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates circuit diagram of a slip sensor wherein slip sensor is structured with a polymer film and dielectric substance, sandwiched between electrodes, allowing for the detection of changes in electrical properties when slip occurs. The sensor operates using the piezoresistive principle, detecting both shear and normal forces.


, Claims:CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A height adjustable ladder (100) comprising:
a slip sensor system (110) integrated into ladder legs (120),
the slip sensor system (110) configured to detect slip and measure velocity difference between a pulley-belt system (130) to enable height adjustability of the ladder (100), wherein
the slip sensor system (110) senses shear force using a strain gauge (140) and
measures the velocity difference between a pulley (132) and a belt (134),
and wherein the height adjustable ladder (100) varies dimensions to meet specific requirements, making it an effective tool for extensive and limited spaces and varying heights.

2. The height adjustable ladder (100) of claim 1, wherein the slip sensor system (110) comprises a plurality of slip sensors (112), and
wherein the pulley-belt system (130) comprises the pulley (132) and the belt (134),
with the belt (134) segment passing between a center position of the slip sensor system (110) and the pulley (132).

3. The height adjustable ladder (100) of claim 1, wherein a direction of the slip sensor system (110) is a tangential direction of a center position of the slip sensor system (110) and a center position of the pulley (132), and wherein the slip sensor system (110) detects slip in two directions.

4. The height adjustable ladder (100) of claim 1, wherein the slip sensor system (110) comprises the strain gauge (140) configured to sense the shear force when slip occurs based on a piezoresistive principle, and wherein the ladder (100) is configured to facilitate length, breadth, and vertical movement.

5. The height adjustable ladder (100) of claim 1, wherein the ladder (100) is configured for implementation in at least one of a home, an industrial setting, or an educational institution.

6. A method for adjusting height of a ladder (100), the method comprising:
integrating a slip sensor system (110) into ladder legs (120);
detecting, by the slip sensor system (110),
slip and measuring velocity difference between a pulley-belt system (130) to enable height adjustability of the ladder (100),
wherein the slip sensor system (110) senses shear force using a strain gauge (140) and measures the velocity difference between a pulley (132) and a belt (134);
and
varying dimensions of the height adjustable ladder (100) to meet specific requirements, making it an effective tool for extensive and limited spaces and varying heights.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the slip sensor system (110) comprises a plurality of slip sensors (112), and wherein the pulley-belt system (130) comprises the pulley (132) and the belt (134), with the belt (134) segment passing between a center position of the slip sensor system (110) and the pulley (132).

8. The method of claim 6, wherein a direction of the slip sensor system (110) is a tangential direction of a center position of the slip sensor system (110) and a center position of the pulley (132), and wherein the slip sensor system (110) detects slip in two directions.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the slip sensor system (110) comprises the strain gauge (140) configured to sense the shear force when slip occurs based on a piezoresistive principle, and wherein the ladder (100) is configured to facilitate length, breadth, and vertical movement.

10. The method of claim 6, further comprising raising or lowering the height of the ladder (100) through utilization of the slip sensor system (110) integrated into the ladder legs (120), wherein the height adjustable ladder (100) provides an alternative to constructing ladders of varying dimensions that involve significant expenses and demand a significant amount of physical space.

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