Automated Cargo Ramp Deployment System for Multi-Door Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cargo vehicle ramp deployment systems are cumbersome and inefficient due to the need for manual repositioning of heavy ramps with multiple configurations, which complicates loading and unloading operations, especially when doors are positioned on different sides of the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

An automated cargo vehicle ramp deployment system that includes a controller, power source, and multiple ramp displacement mechanisms to selectively displace and adjust the ramp along various paths around the perimeter of the cargo vehicle, allowing for easy and efficient positioning of the ramp using a guide rail, trolley, and actuators, ensuring safe and effortless movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional ramp is stored at the rear side of the cargo vehicle, then the ramp can be easily accessed, but it cannot accommodate doors positioned on different sides of the vehicle perimeter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveramp accessibilityVSAvoiddoor configuration compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp is made dynamically repositionable along the vehicle perimeter through a motorized displacement system with multiple travel paths, allowing it to adapt to different door configurations rather than being fixed at the rear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp system is designed to serve multiple door positions (front, rear, left, right sides) through automated displacement along perimeter travel paths, making it universally applicable to various loading configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ramp needs to be repositioned for different door configurations, then it can accommodate various loading scenarios, but the ramp weight of 150-200 lbs makes manual repositioning difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor configuration flexibilityVSAvoidramp repositioning effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The heavy manual mechanical repositioning operation is replaced with an automated motorized displacement system that uses electric motors and guide rails to move the ramp along predefined travel paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp system performs self-service repositioning through automated control, eliminating the need for manual human effort to move the heavy ramp between different positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ramp configurations are provided for different door positions, then all door configurations can be accommodated, but the device complexity increases with seven different configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor configuration coverageVSAvoidramp system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing seven different static ramp configurations, the system uses a single dynamic ramp that can be automatically displaced to different positions along the vehicle perimeter, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single ramp structure is designed to perform multiple functions by being repositioned along the vehicle perimeter, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated ramps for different door configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the ramp length is adjusted to match different circumstances (7-14 feet), then it can fit various loading scenarios, but manual adjustment of such a heavy ramp is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveramp length flexibilityVSAvoidramp length adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical adjustment of ramp length is replaced with an automated motorized system that controls the ramp's longitudinal position along the vehicle perimeter, enabling easy length adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp system automatically adjusts its effective length by positioning itself along the vehicle perimeter based on control signals, eliminating manual intervention for length adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11358509B2Automated cargo vehicle ramp deployment system and associated methods

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 EMHIP LLC

AI summary

An automated cargo vehicle ramp deployment system includes a controller and a power source connected thereto, a ramp located at the existing cargo vehicle, a first automated ramp displacement mechanism for configured to selectively displace the ramp from a first position to a second position defined along a perimeter of the existing cargo vehicle while the ramp is maintained at a vertically oriented position, a second automated ramp displacement mechanism for configured to selectively displace the ramp from one of the first position and the second position to a third position, and a third automated ramp displacement mechanism for selectively adjusting a longitudinal length of the ramp while the ramp is statically disposed at a third position.