Cam Counterbalance Hinge for Low-Force Ramp Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for deploying and stowing ramps, platforms, and doors on vehicles are cumbersome, pose tripping hazards, and require significant effort due to the weight and torque involved.
Innovation Solution
A counterbalance hinge assembly that incorporates a cam and compression device to counterbalance the weight of the door or ramp, reducing the force required to move it between stowed and deployed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables, winches, or motors are used to lower and raise ramps, then the ramp can be moved between stowed and deployed positions, but the system becomes complex and creates tripping hazards that block access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterbalance mechanism using a spring-loaded cam follower system that generates an upward force to counteract the downward gravitational force on the ramp. The spring is compressed during ramp deployment and expands during retraction, providing continuous counterbalancing force that eliminates the need for complex cables, winches, or motors while enabling easy one-handed operation.
2Ease of operation
If cables, winches, or motors are used to support the ramp, then the ramp can be moved, but exposed components create tripping hazards and interfere with side access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests all mechanical components within the hinge assembly itself. The spring, cam, and follower are contained inside the hinge housing, with only the ramp surface exposed. This integration eliminates tripping hazards and maintains clean side access while preserving the counterbalancing function.
3Device complexity
If the ramp is lowered without counterbalance, then deployment is simple, but the ramp accelerates by gravity causing injury or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded cam follower system generates an upward counterbalancing force that opposes the downward gravitational acceleration of the ramp. This controlled counterforce prevents dangerous free-fall acceleration while maintaining operational simplicity, eliminating the need for complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed to store potential energy that actively counteracts gravity before the ramp begins to move. This preliminary anti-action of the spring force prevents gravitational acceleration from causing injury or damage, while the cam mechanism ensures this counterbalancing force is applied continuously throughout the ramp's motion.
4Device complexity
If the ramp is lifted without counterbalance, then the system is simple, but the weight of the ramp makes it difficult to raise
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded cam follower system generates an upward force during ramp retraction that counteracts the downward gravitational force on the ramp. This reduces the net force the operator must apply to lift the heavy ramp, making it easy to raise while keeping the system mechanically simple without cables or motors.
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 counterbalance hinge assembly allows for easy deployment and stowing of ramps and platforms with minimal force, eliminating the need for exposed cables or winches and reducing the risk of injury or damage.
Implementation Method 1
A compression device is engaged to the housing. The compression device is configured to apply a bias to a rotation of the housing.
Implementation Method 2
stored energy from the compression device helps to raise the ramp, platform, door, or other structure
Implementation Method 3
The movement of the door or ramp drives cam followers of a cam follower holder against the cam.
Data Source
AI summary
A counterbalance hinge assembly includes a cam and compression device that counterbalances a weight of a door or a ramp. The compression device biases against a rotation of the door or ramp. The downward movement of the door or ramp drives cam followers in angled slots or cam surfaces of the cam. The angled slots or cam surfaces include varying angles of incline to correspond to varying torque forces of the door or ramp during the opening or closing movement of the door or ramp.