Adjustable Loading Ramp System with Recessed Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional loading ramps for vehicles, such as pickup trucks, are not laterally adjustable and require users to repeatedly attach, position, and stow ramps when loading large objects, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable loading ramp system with recessed channels in the vehicle bed and tailgate, allowing ramp members to be stowed and slidably deployed along longitudinal and lateral tracks without being lifted out, enabling lateral adjustment and secure locking at various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional telescoping loading ramps are used, then loading function is provided, but lateral adjustability is lost and repeated attachment/detachment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp member is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be slid between stowed and deployed positions along the bed channel while maintaining lateral adjustability through the lateral track mechanism, eliminating the need for repeated attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp member serves multiple functions: it provides the loading ramp surface, acts as a slide within the bed channel, and interfaces with the lateral track for position adjustment, consolidating what would traditionally require separate components into a single multi-functional element
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-integrated ramp systems are used, then loading function is provided, but complex attachment and positioning processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp member is integrated with the bed structure through the bed channel and tailgate channel system, merging the ramp, support, and adjustment mechanisms into a unified system that simplifies operation while maintaining lateral adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The track member serves as an intermediary element between the ramp member and the bed/tailgate channels, facilitating smooth transitions and positioning while reducing the complexity of direct ramp-to-structure connections
3Productivity
If ramp members are slidably deployed without lifting, then operation efficiency is improved, but track integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is segmented into longitudinal bed tracks, longitudinal tailgate tracks, and lateral tailgate tracks, with each segment serving a specific function in guiding the ramp member's movement, thereby managing complexity through functional decomposition
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy and efficient loading of large objects by allowing ramp members to be fully deployed at an incline and laterally adjustable, reducing the need for frequent ramp attachment and detachment, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the track member moves along the respective bed and longitudinal tailgate tracks and into the lateral tailgate track without having to raise the track member out of the respective bed and longitudinal tailgate tracks
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp system for a vehicle storage bed includes at least one longitudinal bed channel defining a longitudinal bed track. At least one longitudinal tailgate channel is recessed into an inner panel of the tailgate, aligned with the bed channel, and defines a longitudinal tailgate track. A lateral tailgate track is recessed into the inner panel and extends substantially transverse to and in communication with the bed/longitudinal tailgate tracks. At least one ramp member has a track member configured to be stowed in the bed channel in a stowed position and slidable in the bed/tailgate channels from the stowed position to a fully deployed position during which the track member moves along the respective bed/longitudinal tailgate tracks and into the lateral tailgate track without having to raise the track member out of the respective bed/longitudinal tailgate tracks.