Innovative Ladder Design via Optimization and Design Methodology

As ladders are such a common tool, its potential improvement can be easily overlooked. The purpose of this project is to invent a new ladder design. To avoid the lock-in effect of existing ladders, topology optimization is applied to explore new possible designs. The key of this technique is to let algorithms search for theoretically possible designs that satisfy some basic usage conditions (e.g., overall size limits and applied loads). Beyond the existing new ladder design for future productions, the partner organization can also experience the benefits of formal optimization techniques for design innovation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Simon Li

Student:

Maxwell Lee

Partner:

Forest International Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

University of Calgary