Adjustable Ramp Support System for Truck Bed Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ramp systems for loading vehicles and machinery into truck beds and other storage structures are cumbersome and inflexible, failing to accommodate varying vehicle sizes and limited substructure clearance effectively.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable and durable ramp support system featuring a horizontal support coupled with a vehicle hitch receiver, a vertical support with a central aperture, and an angle brace that can be adjusted between 20-70 degrees, along with hinged and arched ramp designs for compact storage and smooth transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed ramp systems are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different vehicle sizes and clearance requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp support structure is divided into multiple segments including horizontal supports, vertical supports, and angle braces that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while collectively providing adaptability to different vehicle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp system incorporates adjustable angle braces with mounting brackets that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the ramp angle and position. The angle braces can be set at different angles (e.g., 20-40 degrees or 50-70 degrees from horizontal) to accommodate various vehicle bed heights and clearance requirements, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable system.
2Ease of operation
If traditional rigid ramp designs are used, then structural strength is maintained, but ease of storage and transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into multiple segments connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be folded into a compact configuration for storage and transport. The segmented design maintains structural integrity during use while enabling compact folding when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp incorporates hinged connections that allow it to transition between extended operational positions and folded storage positions. This dynamic capability enables the ramp to adapt its form factor based on operational requirements while maintaining sufficient structural strength during loading operations.
3Productivity
If steep ramp angles are used, then loading efficiency into elevated beds is improved, but safety and accessibility for vehicles with limited clearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The angle brace is designed to be adjustable to different angles, allowing the ramp angle to be dynamically changed based on the specific vehicle and load requirements. This enables optimization of loading efficiency for elevated beds while ensuring safety for vehicles with limited substructure clearance by using gentler angles when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the critical parameter of ramp angle to optimize performance for different scenarios. By adjusting the angle parameter, the system can achieve steep angles for high productivity when clearance permits, and gentler angles for safety when clearance is limited, thus adapting the operational parameters to match the specific conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A support system for loading ramps useful in loading and unloading vehicles and other machinery in truck beds and similar storage and transport structures. The support system includes a horizontal support which couples with a hitch receiver, a vertical support having a central aperture at its top to receive a support bar of a loading ramp system, and an angle brace designed and configured to be removably affixed to the horizontal and vertical supports. The angle brace may extend at an angle of between 20 and 40 degrees or between 50 and 70 degrees from horizontal. In some embodiments the support system is provided with a ramp system including a pair of ladder ramps, each ladder ramp having two ladder ramp segments hingedly connected. In these and other embodiments the support system may be provided with a ramp system including an arced segment near the top portion thereof.