Collapsible Side-Rail Ramp Assembly for Compact Wheelchair Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passenger vehicles are not mass-produced to accommodate physically limited passengers, requiring aftermarket modifications such as ramps, wheelchair lifts, and lowered floors to facilitate ingress and egress, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A ramp assembly with pivotable side rails and cam arms that can be easily deployed and stowed, allowing for safe and independent entry and exit of wheelchaired passengers, featuring a manual deployment device and a guide assembly for smooth movement between stowed and deployed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ramp is installed to accommodate wheel-chaired passengers, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly is divided into modular components: a ramp body, collapsible side rails with multiple segments, cam arms, and a guide assembly. This segmentation allows the ramp to be stored in a compact configuration while deployed to provide full accessibility, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The side rails are designed to be dynamically collapsible rather than fixed, transitioning between a compact stored position and an extended deployed position. This dynamic structure provides accessibility when needed while minimizing space and complexity when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If side rails are made collapsible to improve storage, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The cam arms are designed to engage with the side rails at predetermined positions during deployment and retraction. This engagement provides controlled support throughout the motion, cushioning the transition and ensuring reliable operation. The guide assembly similarly provides pre-planned guidance paths to prevent misalignment or binding during side rail collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam arms act as intermediary mechanisms between the manual deployment device and the side rails, translating user input into controlled side rail movement. The guide assembly serves as an intermediary structure that constrains and guides the side rails during collapse, ensuring smooth operation while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If manual deployment device is added to control side rails, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam arms serve multiple functions: they control side rail deployment, guide the collapse motion, and work in conjunction with the guide assembly to ensure proper alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Enhances accessibility and convenience by providing a reliable, easy-to-use ramp system that can be efficiently stored and deployed, improving the mobility of physically limited passengers without the need for extensive vehicle modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a first cam arm coupled to a bottom surface of the ramp body, the first cam arm including a first cam wheel; and a second cam arm coupled to the bottom surface of the ramp body, the second cam arm including a second cam wheel; wherein, the first side rail and second side rail are pivotably moved between a folded position in which the side rails pivot inwardly and a raised position in which the side rails are oriented perpendicular to the ramp body; further wherein, the first cam arm operably pivots the first side rail between its folded and raised position, and the second cam arm operably pivots the second side rail between its folded and raised position
Data Source
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AI summary
A ramp assembly for use to accommodate a wheel-chaired passenger to enter or exit a motorized vehicle includes a ramp body having a length defined along a longitudinal direction, a first side rail pivotably coupled to the ramp body, a second side rail pivotably coupled to the ramp body, and a hinge plate pivotably coupled to the ramp body. The ramp assembly further includes a first arm and a second arm coupled to a bottom surface of the ramp body. The first side rail and second side rail are pivotably moved between a folded position in which the first and second side rails pivot inwardly and a raised position in which the side rails are oriented perpendicular to the ramp body. The first arm operably pivots the first side rail between its folded and raised position, and the second arm operably pivots the second side rail between its folded and raised position.