Deployable Mobility Ramp with Mechanical Locking Flap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for assisting people with reduced mobility in crossing obstacles, such as steps, are not satisfactory in terms of discretion, weather resistance, and robustness against vandalism, and often require permanent encroachment on public highways.
Innovation Solution
A device with a stationary frame, a movable upper plate, and a lower plate that deploys along an inclined axis, featuring side flanges that guide and support the upper plate, a pivoting flap for protection, and a mechanical locking mechanism, along with a motor-driven pinion and rack system for precise movement, ensuring minimal encroachment and adaptability to different ground levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device is made visible and accessible on public highways, then people with reduced mobility can access it, but it permanently encroaches on public highway space
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic deployable system. The ramp is stored vertically in a retracted position within a housing and only deploys horizontally when needed, transforming the space occupation from permanent to temporary and conditional.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp structure is nested within a vertical housing when not in use. The lower plate and upper plate are contained within the housing structure, with the ramp folding or retracting into the available space, similar to nested dolls where one object is placed inside another.
2Shape
If the device is made discreet to match surrounding floor, then aesthetic integration is improved, but visibility and accessibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and visible portions of the device are designed with local qualities that match the surrounding floor architecture. The upper plate can be covered with flooring materials, and the housing can be finished to blend with the building facade, creating local aesthetic integration without compromising the functional visibility of the deployable ramp.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains a low-profile discreet appearance in its retracted state, then dynamically transforms into a highly visible functional ramp when deployed. The transition from hidden to visible is controlled and deliberate, providing visibility exactly when needed for accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If the device is left open to weather, then accessibility is maintained, but weather resistance and protection from vandalism are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flap dynamically transitions between closed and open positions. When the ramp is not in use, the flap closes to protect the mechanism from weather and potential vandalism. When deployment is initiated, the flap opens to allow the ramp to extend, providing protection only when the device is inactive.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical locking mechanism engages the flap in the closed position before deployment occurs, preliminarily protecting the device. The lock releases automatically or through actuation to allow opening, ensuring the protective state is maintained until deployment is intentionally initiated.
4Reliability
If the flap is mechanically locked in rest position, then protection against malicious acts is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical locking mechanism is designed to engage and disengage automatically through the natural movement of the flap and lower plate. The geometry of the components creates self-locking features that require no additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems, providing reliable protection through passive mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the structural components of the device. The side flanges and mechanical members are integrated into the existing framework, combining the protective locking function with the structural support elements rather than adding separate dedicated locking components.
5Manufacturing precision
If the lower plate moves along rectilinear trajectory, then deployment accuracy is improved, but adaptability to irregular ground surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lower plate combines rectilinear movement along a guided trajectory with rotational degrees of freedom. The ball joints allow the lower plate to pivot and adjust its orientation dynamically as it moves, enabling it to follow irregular ground surfaces while maintaining accurate deployment through the constrained rectilinear path of the center of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower plate is divided into multiple segments or articulated sections connected by ball joints. This segmentation allows each section to independently adjust to ground irregularities while the overall structure follows the rectilinear deployment trajectory, combining precision with adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention concerns an assistance device (1) to allow a wheeled vehicle to overcome an obstacle, comprising a frame, (2), an upper plate (4) a lower plate (3) with lateral rims (41), a flap (5) and a locking member (71; 72). The upper plate (4) is supported on the lateral rims (41). By moving in translation between a deployed position and a storage position, the lower plate (3) mechanically determines the height position of the upper plate (4) by sliding on the lateral rims (41). The flap (5) pivots relative to the upper plate (4) between a substantially vertical rest position and a deployed position resting on the lower plate (3). The flap (5) forms a junction between the lower plate (3) and the upper plate (4). The locking member (71; 72) is supported by the lateral rims (41) and locks the flap (5) in the storage position of the lower plate (3) and releases the flap (5) when the lower plate (3) leaves the storage position of same.