Collapsible Pet Ramp with Cantilevered Panel and Hinge Stop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pet ramps are cumbersome, heavy, and lack versatility, particularly in terms of ease of transport and adaptability to various heights and uses.

Innovation Solution

A pet ramp design featuring a first panel with legs, a second panel cantilevered at an obtuse angle via a hinge assembly with a stop, allowing for compact collapse and adjustable angles, enabling easy transport and use on different surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pet ramps are designed to be durable and functional, then they provide reliable support and stability, but they become heavy and cumbersome for transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidramp weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp is divided into multiple panels connected by hinge assemblies, allowing the structure to be segmented into collapsible sections that can be easily folded and transported while maintaining structural integrity when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assemblies enable the ramp panels to dynamically transition between deployed and collapsed positions, providing structural stability during use while allowing compact folding for transport, effectively adapting the ramp's form factor based on operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If pet ramps are designed with fixed structures, then they provide stable support, but they lack adaptability to various heights and surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidheight adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assemblies allow the ramp panels to be positioned at various angles, enabling the ramp to adapt to different heights and surfaces while maintaining stable support when locked into position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsible multi-panel design with adjustable angles allows the same ramp structure to function across multiple scenarios and heights, providing universal applicability for different vehicles and surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If pet ramps use simple hinge connections, then they are easy to assemble and disassemble, but they may lack durability and stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assemblies with stops are designed to self-lock into position, providing stable connections without requiring complex assembly mechanisms or additional fastening steps, thus maintaining both ease of operation and connection strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11585096B2Ultra-light freestanding pet ramp

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 VERMONT JUVENILE FURNITURE MANUFACTURING INC

AI summary

A pet ramp is provided having two panels in a collapsible arrangement, with a first panel having legs and a second panel able to be cantilevered from the first panel. The second panel extends beyond the legs and is pivotable to rest on any available surface. A stop is provided between the first and second panels to hold a cantilevered deployed position of the second panel.