Adjustable Pet Ramp With Rails for Low-Angle Obstacle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet ramps are often of fixed length and angle, making them difficult to accommodate various uses and can be problematic for infirmed or weak pets, and lack a rail system to guide and protect pets, increasing the risk of confusion or disorientation.
Innovation Solution
A modular pet ramp with adjustable length and angle, featuring rail assemblies for guidance and support, and a support assembly to prevent bouncing, designed for pets with health- or age-related conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed length ramp is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various uses both indoor and outdoor
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into multiple adjustable sections that can be configured in different arrangements. The support assembly includes adjustable support posts and cross members that can be positioned at various locations, allowing the ramp to be customized for different obstacle heights and spans, thus accommodating both indoor and outdoor uses while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp incorporates adjustable components including support posts that can be positioned at different heights and locations, and cross members that can be adjusted to change the ramp's geometry. This dynamic adjustability allows the same ramp structure to adapt to various uses and environments without requiring multiple fixed designs
2Length of moving object
If the ramp angle is increased to reduce length, then the ramp becomes shorter, but it becomes problematic for infirmed or weak pets to climb
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly includes adjustable support posts that can be positioned at various heights and locations along the ramp. This allows the ramp angle to be dynamically adjusted to an optimal low angle for infirmed pets, while still spanning the necessary distance by strategically positioning supports to maintain structural integrity at shallower angles
3Reliability
If a rail system is added to guide and protect the pet, then safety improves, but the complexity of the ramp increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system is integrated with the existing support structure of the ramp. The rails are mounted on the support posts and cross members, combining the structural support function with the guidance and protection function. This merging approach provides safety and guidance without requiring completely separate structural elements, thus limiting the increase in complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a unique pet ramp, which allows aging or infirmed pets, of various sizes to traverse an obstacle in a safe and controlled manner. The pet ramp includes a ramp base assembly and one or more rail assemblies. A support assembly may also be provided. The base assembly including a plurality of base cleats.