Adjustable Locking Arm for Lift Gate Ramp Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift gate retention assemblies face issues with maintaining the ramp in selected positions due to wear and tear, leading to improper engagement with the cam portion, which results in the ramp not being properly stowed or retained.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly comprising an elongated locking arm and a spring, where the locking arm is pivotably disposed relative to the ramp, with a cam portion having multiple engagement surfaces to maintain the ramp in selected positions, and an adjustable mechanism to adjust the length of the locking arm to minimize gaps and ensure proper engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the locking arm is made rigid and fixed-length, then the engagement with cam portion is initially precise, but wear and tear causes gaps to form leading to improper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is made adjustable in length rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt dynamically. The mechanism includes an adjustment feature that enables the locking arm length to be modified to compensate for wear and tear on the cam portion, thereby maintaining proper engagement over time despite the wear that would otherwise cause gaps and improper engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple engagement surfaces are added to the cam portion, then multiple positions can be maintained, but the complexity of the locking assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam portion is segmented into multiple distinct engagement surfaces, each corresponding to a specific ramp position (stowed, retention, and ramp positions). The locking arm is designed to selectively engage with different surfaces based on the desired position, allowing multi-position functionality without requiring separate locking mechanisms for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The single locking arm serves multiple functions by engaging with different engagement surfaces of the cam portion to maintain the ramp in various positions. This universal design allows one component to perform multiple positioning functions rather than requiring separate locking mechanisms for each position.
3Force
If the locking arm is spring-loaded, then consistent engagement force is maintained, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A spring is integrated into the locking arm mechanism to provide a continuous biasing force that maintains consistent engagement pressure between the locking arm and the cam portion. The spring acts as a counterbalancing element that compensates for variations in engagement force, ensuring reliable contact despite wear or positional changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically maintains proper engagement force without requiring external adjustment or intervention. The spring continuously applies biasing force to keep the locking arm engaged with the cam portion, self-regulating the engagement force to compensate for wear and positional variations over time.
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
The locking assembly effectively maintains the ramp in stowed, retention, and ramp positions by ensuring consistent engagement with the cam surfaces, reducing wear and tear and preventing the ramp from jutting out, thus enhancing the reliability and functionality of the lift gate system.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for spring loading the locking arm. A biasing tension in the spring urges a proximal end of the locking arm to engage with a cam portion of the ramp
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a locking assembly for a ramp of a lift gate. The locking assembly comprises an elongated locking arm and a spring for spring loading the locking arm. The locking arm is pivotably disposed on a pivot point relative to the ramp. A biasing tension in the spring urges a proximal end of the locking arm to engage with a cam portion of the ramp to maintain the ramp in a selected position. The cam portion has multiple engagement surfaces for individually engaging with the locking arm, wherein selectively engaging the locking arm with each engagement surface of the cam portion maintains the ramp in a corresponding selected position.