Cargo Van Door-Ramp Assembly for Easier Heavy Load Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo van doors and ramps face challenges such as manual deployment difficulties, misalignment issues, increased friction, and wear, which complicate the loading and unloading process, especially for heavy or large cargo.
Innovation Solution
A dual acting cargo van door and ramp system that integrates a single component with orthogonal pivoting means, allowing the door to swing sideways as a traditional door or pivot down as a ramp, using hinges and control mechanisms like coil springs or electric motors for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ramp is mounted below the cargo compartment floor and pulled out manually, then the ramp can be deployed for loading and unloading cargo, but the weight of the ramp and increased friction make deployment difficult for users who lack sufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the door and ramp into a single integrated component. The door assembly includes a door panel that can function as both a vertical door when closed and a ramp when deployed at an angle. This merging eliminates the need for a separate heavy ramp structure, reducing the weight of moving objects while maintaining ease of operation through the dual-function design.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a vertical door for securing the cargo compartment, and it can be deployed as a ramp for loading and unloading cargo. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated ramp structures, reducing overall system weight while improving ease of operation through integrated design.
2Ease of operation
If a ramp is mounted below the cargo compartment floor, then the ramp can be deployed for cargo access, but misalignment issues and increased friction occur with wear, complicating deployment
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the door and ramp functions into a single integrated assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate ramp mounting structures that are prone to misalignment. The door-ramp assembly pivots on hinges that are part of the door structure itself, ensuring consistent alignment and reducing friction issues associated with separate mounting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The door-ramp assembly incorporates a pivoting mechanism with hinges that allow dynamic adjustment between vertical door position and inclined ramp position. This dynamic design accommodates wear and maintains smooth operation through controlled movement, reducing friction and alignment issues compared to fixed mounting structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate door and ramp systems are used in cargo vans, then each function can be optimized independently, but the construction becomes complex with more individual components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the door and ramp into a single integrated assembly, reducing the number of individual components from separate door and ramp systems to one unified structure. This simplifies construction and manufacturing while maintaining the ability to perform both door and ramp functions through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: vertical door operation for securing the cargo compartment and ramp deployment for cargo loading/unloading. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall construction and reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled.
4Productivity
If the door is swung open sideways as a traditional door, then cargo can be accessed, but heavy or large cargo requires additional equipment like ramps for efficient loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly serves dual functions: it acts as a vertical door for securing the cargo compartment and can be deployed as a ramp for efficient loading and unloading of heavy or large cargo. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated ramp equipment, improving productivity by providing integrated cargo access solutions while maintaining ease of operation through the unified door-ramp design.
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
Facilitates easy and controlled loading and unloading of cargo, reducing manual effort and wear, while providing a seamless transition between door and ramp functions, enhancing usability for various cargo sizes and weights.
Implementation Method 1
The motion of the ramp, which rotates on the second hinge vertically in relation to the van, may be controlled by a coil spring, a strut assist mechanism, an electric motor, or by other suitable control means.
Implementation Method 2
The motion of the ramp, which rotates on the second hinge vertically in relation to the van, may be controlled by a coil spring, a strut assist mechanism, an electric motor, or by other suitable control means.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo van door system comprises a cargo van with a cargo compartment, first pivoting means to permit one or more doors releasably to pivot laterally and perpendicularly in relation to one of three outward facing side walls of the cargo compartment to act as a door, second pivoting means to permit the door releasably to pivot perpendicularly in relation to a floor of the cargo compartment to act as a ramp, and means to coordinate engagement and disengagement of the first pivoting means and the second pivoting means. When the first pivoting means is engaged to permit the door to swing laterally and perpendicularly in relation to one of the outward facing side walls to continue to function as a door, the second pivoting means is disengaged, and when the second pivoting means is engaged to permit the door to swing perpendicularly in relation to the floor to act as a ramp, the first pivoting means is disengaged.