Articulating Vehicle Ramp Assembly for Automated Wheelchair Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile manufacturers do not produce passenger vehicles specifically designed to accommodate physically limited passengers, necessitating aftermarket modifications like ramps, wheel chair lifts, and lowered floors, which are often inefficient and lack automated control.
Innovation Solution
A ramp assembly with a rail system and rollers that articulates between storage and deployed positions, powered by a motorized drive system with manual override, allowing seamless wheelchair access and featuring a compact design with integrated sensors for position tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ramp is added to accommodate physically limited passengers, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly is divided into multiple segments including a first body and a second body that can articulate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the ramp to change configuration between storage and deployed states, providing accessibility when needed while maintaining a compact form when not in use, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one through the articulation mechanism between the first and second bodies. This dynamic capability enables the ramp to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, improving accessibility while the controlled nature of the transformation manages the complexity through defined motion paths and mechanical constraints.
2Ease of operation
If the ramp assembly includes articulating bodies for deployment, then accessibility is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual operation of the ramp is replaced with an automated motorized drive system. The motorized carriage automatically transports the ramp between storage and deployed positions, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of the articulating mechanism. This substitution improves ease of operation while the motorized control system manages the complexity through electronic control rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp assembly incorporates sensors that automatically detect when deployment is needed and trigger the motorized carriage to position the ramp accordingly. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and initiating appropriate actions, improving ease of operation while reducing the complexity of manual control interfaces.
3Extent of automation
If a motorized drive system is added for automated ramp operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized carriage serves multiple functions: it transports the ramp longitudinally, positions the articulating bodies, and integrates with the sensor system for automated operation. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving a high extent of automation. The manual override capability adds another layer of versatility, allowing the system to handle various operational scenarios with a unified mechanism.
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
Enables easy, safe, and automated wheelchair access with a compact ramp assembly that can withstand significant weight, ensuring reliable operation even in power outages.
Implementation Method 1
A first roller is operatively connected to the first body. A second roller is operatively connected to the second body, wherein the first body and the second body of the ramp are generally planar in the storage position and the first body is inclined with respect to the second body in the deployed position.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ramp assembly for a passenger using a wheelchair to enter or exit a motorized vehicle. The ramp assembly includes a rail assembly having a track with a first portion extending longitudinally along the rail and a second portion inclined with the first portion. A ramp is operatively connected to the rail assembly. The ramp includes a first body and a second body that articulates with respect to the first body, wherein the ramp moves along the rail assembly and includes a storage position and a deployed position. A first roller is operatively connected to the first body and a second roller is operatively connected to the second body. The first body and the second body of the ramp are generally planar in the storage position and the first body is inclined with respect to the second body in the deployed position.