Adjustable Ramp Assembly for Mobile Shelving Track Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile shelving tracks pose tripping hazards and access issues, especially for wheelchairs, due to their elevated design and fixed installation, which is costly and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A ramp assembly with rotatably snap-fit ramp sections that adjust to the height of the track, providing a smooth, accessible surface and allowing easy removal and refitting without lifting the track, featuring a hook section that engages with a receiving channel and a resilient lining for secure fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the track is elevated to compensate for uneven floors, then the track can be aligned and adjusted, but tripping hazards are created and wheelchair access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
A ramp assembly acts as an intermediary element between the elevated track and the floor surface. The ramp includes a first portion that contacts the track and a second portion that contacts the floor, creating a gradual transition surface that eliminates the abrupt height change causing tripping hazards while preserving the track's elevated position for alignment purposes
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed floor tracks are used to eliminate tripping hazards, then safety is improved, but installation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly is segmented into multiple components: a first portion for track contact, a second portion for floor contact, and a resilient portion connecting them. This segmentation allows the ramp to be manufactured as a separate, pre-fabricated unit that can be easily installed by simply positioning it between the track and floor, avoiding expensive fixed floor track installation while maintaining safety
3Stability of the object's composition
If the track is fixed to the floor, then stability is improved, but appearance deteriorates and floor damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly uses a resilient portion that acts as a flexible element between the rigid track and floor. This flexible component absorbs stress and prevents direct rigid contact that would cause floor damage, while the ramp's overall structure maintains track stability. The resilient material deforms elastically to accommodate minor movements without compromising stability or damaging the floor
4Ease of operation
If traditional ramp assemblies are used to reduce track obstacles, then access is improved, but new tripping hazards are created by the ramp connection to the track
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly employs curved transition surfaces and a resilient portion that creates a smooth, continuous profile. The first portion tapers to meet the track, the second portion meets the floor at a gentle angle, and the resilient portion provides a curved transition between them. This curvature eliminates sharp edges and abrupt changes in surface level that would create tripping hazards, while maintaining the ramp's effectiveness in providing wheelchair access
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 solution creates a visually appealing and safe ramp assembly that reduces tripping hazards, facilitates wheelchair access, and allows for easy re-levelling of the track without disturbing the surface, addressing the limitations of traditional mobile shelving systems.
Implementation Method 1
the track body male portion is adapted to be inserted into the female portion of the ramp section, which is then adapted to be rotated so that the hook section rotatably engages the receiving channel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a ramp assembly for a mobile shelving system including at least one longitudinal track body having a central channel and transverse edges, said ramp assembly including a plurality of ramp sections disposed on either side of the track body, whereby each ramp section includes a hooked edge adapted to rotatably engage a transverse edge of the track body, the angle of the ramp section being adjustable by way of rotation of the ramp section to thereby accommodate track bodies of different height.