Adjustable Ramp Slide Bar Mechanism for Step Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramps do not effectively address the need for an adjustable, inexpensive, lightweight, and safe solution to navigate single steps, which can be obstacles for individuals with mobility issues, and require easy setup and retention of the incline angle without complex assembly.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable ramp design featuring a slide bar mechanism that secures the inclined plane at a desired angle using screws and grooves, allowing easy adjustment and retention of the incline under load, suitable for unskilled users and ensuring safety by distributing force and preventing misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ramp uses a simple adjustable mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential collapse or angle shift under load
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the inclined plane can be rotated to different angles using a slide bar and slot system, allowing the structure to adapt to various step heights while maintaining stability through gravitational loading that secures the slide bar in position
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp changes the geometric parameter of the inclined plane angle through rotation about a pivot axis, enabling adjustment between different elevation positions (e.g., 1 inch to 9 inches) while the same structural components maintain reliability across the range of motion
2Ease of manufacture
If the ramp is made lightweight and inexpensive, then ease of manufacture and accessibility are improved, but strength deteriorates making it difficult to support load
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into distinct functional segments: base members with slots, a separate inclined plane, a slide bar for adjustment, and screw fasteners for securing. This modular segmentation allows each component to be simple and inexpensive while collectively providing sufficient strength through their coordinated mechanical interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp structure uses the applied load itself to secure the adjustment mechanism - the downward force on the inclined plane urges the slide bar into the slots and maintains contact with the pivot axis, creating a self-securing effect that eliminates the need for complex locking mechanisms or expensive materials
3Reliability
If the ramp requires precise assembly for safety, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The slide bar acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the adjustment function and the security function. It physically connects the inclined plane to the base members through the slots and uses the loading force to maintain proper alignment and contact, ensuring safety without requiring precise manual assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp structure automatically ensures proper alignment and secure engagement through its geometric design - the slots guide the slide bar into correct position, and the applied load naturally secures all components in their proper relative positions, eliminating the need for user expertise in assembly
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 adjustable ramp provides a safe and easy-to-use solution for navigating steps, maintaining the incline angle under load and accommodating various step heights, suitable for individuals with mobility issues, while being inexpensive and easy to set up without complex assembly.
Implementation Method 1
maintains an inclined plane at a desired angle under load by having most of the load applied to the ramp in such manner as to urge a slide bar downward, thereby maintaining its position
Implementation Method 2
securing the slide bar in position by tightening a screw on opposite ends of the slide bar, thereby securing the slide bar in position relative to the pair of slots
Implementation Method 3
The lower end at a first side thereof is pivotally secured to a first end of the first base member at a pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing an adjustable height top edge of an inclined plane includes a generally planar inclined plane that is pivotally attached at a bottom end thereof at a pivot axis to a first end of a first base member and to a first end of a spaced-apart second base member. The first and second base members are parallel with respect to each other and include a first slot and a second slot, respectively. A slide bar having a first bar end and an opposite second bar end is disposed between the first base member and the second base member and is secured in position by a first screw that passes through the first slot and by a second screw that passes through the second slot. The top edge of the inclined plane is urged to a desired height and is retained in position by friction. The slide bar is urged toward the pivot axis until it is in contact with opposite sides of the inclined plane. The first and second screws are tightened to secure the inclined plane in position.