Caravan Floor-Integrated Ramp for Secure Motorcycle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caravan securing systems for motorcycles and other vehicles are unsuitable for large motorcycles due to weight limitations and pose a theft risk when externally secured, and existing access solutions are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring heavy ramps that occupy valuable space.
Innovation Solution
A caravan with an integrated collapsible ramp made from a sandwich-type board, connected via a hinged joint to the chassis, allowing effortless access and secure storage by collapsing into the floor, combined with an electric winch for easy vehicle handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external securing systems are used for motorcycles, then accessibility is improved, but theft risk increases and weight capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is merged with the caravan floor structure, forming an integrated system where the ramp becomes part of the floor board assembly. This combination allows the ramp to be securely positioned within the caravan structure, eliminating the need for separate external securing systems while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp is designed to nest within the caravan floor when not in use, with the ramp board fitting into a recessed area of the floor structure. This nesting arrangement secures the ramp within the caravan boundaries while preserving full access to the loading area when deployed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heavy ramps are used for vehicle access, then access capability is improved, but space occupation and handling effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is segmented from the main floor structure as a separate, movable board that can be independently deployed. This segmentation allows the ramp to be lightweight and easy to handle while maintaining sufficient structural capacity to support vehicles, as it only needs to bear load during the brief period when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp transitions from a static floor structure to a dynamic, deployable element. When not in use, the ramp is flush with the floor and occupies minimal space. When needed, it can be pivoted or lifted into the ramp position, providing temporary vehicle access capability without permanently occupying valuable cabin space.
3Area of stationary object
If the ramp is integrated into the floor, then space usage is optimized, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floor structure serves multiple functions: it provides the primary walking surface, structural support, and houses the ramp mechanism. The ramp itself serves dual purposes as both a structural floor element and a vehicle access ramp when deployed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure despite the integrated design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a caravan with built-in access for driving motorcycles or other vehicles into same which, attached to the actual chassis (1) and integrated in the floor (3) of the cabin (2), comprises a collapsible ramp (4) with a collapsed operational position, for driving a motorcycle up and placing it inside the caravan, and a closed inoperative position, in which it is an integral part of the actual floor (3). The ramp (4) is a rectangular part (40) made of the same board as the rest of the floor (3), fitting tightly and flush into a complementary gap (30) made for this purpose at one end of the floor (3), aligned with the door (20) for accessing the cabin (2). The part (40) is connected by the proximal side thereof via a hinged joint (5) for collapsing same by the opposite or distal side, where it is provided with locking means (6) that allow it to be secured to the chassis (1).