Angled Handrail Adaptor for Ramp Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular ramp and platform assemblies face challenges in securely attaching handrail portions to handrail posts due to the risk of stripped threads and loose connections, especially when fasteners are not parallel to the longitudinal axis, leading to instability and noise.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a handrail system with angled interfaces and nutserts that receive fasteners non-parallel to the longitudinal axis, providing a secure and stable attachment by using adaptors with offset nutserts and alignment members to prevent spinning and ensure proper alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fasteners are used non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handrail portion, then the attachment can accommodate angled interfaces and ramp grades, but the threads are at risk of being stripped and connections become loose
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor serves as an intermediary component between the handrail portion and the fastener. It includes a body that receives the handrail portion and a nutsert that receives the fastener, allowing the fastener to be oriented non-parallel to the handrail's longitudinal axis while maintaining secure connection. The adaptor's angled interface geometry mediates between the ramp grade requirements and the fastener attachment requirements, preventing thread stripping while accommodating various ramp angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the attachment interface by providing adaptors with angled interfaces that match specific ramp grades (e.g., 5-degree angle for 5% grade ramps). This parameter change allows the fastener orientation to be non-parallel to the handrail portion's longitudinal axis while maintaining proper alignment and preventing thread stripping, thus enabling adaptability to different ramp configurations without compromising connection reliability.
2Productivity
If modular ramp assemblies are designed for easy configuration, then assembly time and cost are reduced, but secure attachment of handrails becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The handrail attachment system is segmented into separate components: the handrail portion, the adaptor, and the fastener. The adaptor is a distinct component that can be pre-configured with the appropriate angled interface for specific ramp grades. This segmentation allows for easy assembly by simply connecting the handrail portion to the adaptor and securing with a fastener, maintaining productivity while enabling secure attachment through the specialized adaptor design.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptors are pre-configured with the correct angled interfaces and nutserts positioned to receive fasteners at the appropriate angles for specific ramp grades. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field calculations or custom fabrication during assembly. The adaptors come ready-to-install with the correct geometry already established, maintaining assembly efficiency while ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a handrail system for a ramp assembly, the handrail system includes first and second handrail posts oriented substantially perpendicular to a ground surface, a handrail portion having first and second ends extending between the first and second handrail posts, wherein the handrail portion is substantially parallel to a ramping surface ramping from a first elevation to a second elevation at a grade, and first and second interfaces at the first and second ends of the handrail portion for interfacing with the first and second handrail posts. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an adaptor is configured for a handrail portion.