The sketch on the far right shows a way that the steps could fold out, instead of being completely flat, they could have a flat surface and an angled surface. This will make the whole step much stronger. The step and underside of the step will be different lengths. If I know how long the flat surface and the gap from where the flat surface joins the wall and where the angled surface joins the wall, I will be able to work out how long the angled surface is, as it is the hypotenuse.

Length of hypotenuse c = √(a² + b²)

Hinges?

I need to think of a better hinge solution than tape....

Mechanism Animation

Space saving mechanism model

These are photos of the space saving mechanism model. I think that I will make a bigger model of just one step to get a better understanding of the sliding mechanism.

This model is a more accurate version of previous models cut from foamcore, I have left a strip between each step for where the sliding rail mechanism will be. The steps look a little deep in this model, I think that I will reduce the tread depth. Standard tread depth is 10" in residential properties.