Ascending Access Ramp for Train Platform and Floor Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access ramps for disabled persons on wheelchairs struggle to efficiently bridge both vertical and horizontal gaps between train platforms and floors, often leading to delayed train schedules and inadequate accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A remote-controlled ascending mechanised access ramp (A-MAR) system with a supporting frame, planar casing box, and sliding ramp, equipped with sensors and actuators, automatically deploys to bridge both vertical and horizontal gaps between platforms and train floors, ensuring seamless access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a permanent fixed or mechanised device is installed to improve access to trains, then accessibility for disabled persons is improved, but train schedules are delayed due to adjustment time for different floor heights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for disabled personsVSAvoidtrain schedule delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp system employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that automatically adapt the ramp angle and extension based on real-time detection of train floor height and horizontal gap, eliminating manual adjustment delays while maintaining accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors detect the train's position, floor height, and gap dimensions, providing feedback to the control system which automatically adjusts the ramp deployment parameters, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and scheduling efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If an inclined ramp with adjustable bolt is used to reduce vertical and horizontal gap, then accessibility is improved to some extent, but train schedules are delayed due to ramp adjustment time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap bridging capabilityVSAvoidramp adjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp system performs self-adjustment through automated mechanisms that detect and compensate for varying train positions and floor heights without requiring manual intervention, eliminating adjustment time while maintaining gap bridging effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual bolt adjustment mechanisms are replaced with automated motorized or hydraulic systems controlled by sensors, transforming a time-consuming manual process into an instantaneous automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Length of stationary object

If a horizontal step operated by rotary mechanism is installed to cover horizontal gap, then horizontal gap coverage is improved, but vertical gap cannot be covered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizontal gap coverageVSAvoidvertical gap coverage capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can extend horizontally to bridge horizontal gaps and simultaneously adjust its angle to cover vertical gaps, making it a universal solution that replaces both horizontal steps and vertical ramps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds vertical dimensionality to the horizontal step mechanism by incorporating adjustable angle capability, allowing the same structure to address both horizontal and vertical displacement through coordinated motion in multiple dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Length of stationary object

If a gap-bridging plate installed on platform and actioned by motor is used, then horizontal gap coverage is improved, but vertical gap cannot be covered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizontal gap coverageVSAvoidvertical gap coverage capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized gap-bridging plate is enhanced with vertical adjustment capability, allowing it to function both as a horizontal bridge and as part of an inclined ramp system that can cover vertical gaps through angular adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12577785B2Ascending mechanised access ramp (A-MAR)

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 THE TRUSTEE FOR ROFRAUS TRUST

AI summary

There is an access ramp system for access between a first and a second object. The second object is elevated with respect to the first object. The system includes a supporting frame mountable to the first object; a casing box mounted to the supporting frame; a sliding ramp installed to slide inside the casing box; and a deployment mechanism for automatically moving the sliding ramp between a stand-by and a fully deployed position. In the deployed position, a nose of the sliding ramp is raised to a height equal with the second object and is engaged with the second object. In the deployed position, the sliding ramp and casing box extend across a vertical gap and a horizontal gap between the first and second objects. An upper surface of the sliding ramp and casing box defines a support surface for supporting people or objects moving between the first and second objects.