Vehicle Door Ramp Assembly for Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle door assemblies do not provide an integrated solution for easy access and loading, particularly for users with mobility issues or cargo, as they lack a functional ramp that can be deployed and integrated with the sliding door mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door assembly that includes a pivotable ramp which transitions between a stowed and deployed position, allowing the door to slide together with the ramp in the stowed position and slide relative to it in the deployed position, with a sill assembly and actuator system for movement and locking mechanisms to facilitate easy access and loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional sliding door mechanism is used, then the door can open and close smoothly, but it cannot provide a functional ramp for accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ramp and sliding door into a single integrated assembly where the ramp is coupled to the door. When the door slides, the ramp moves with it, allowing the same structure to serve both as a barrier when closed and as an accessibility ramp when open, thereby adding versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a closure barrier when the door is closed, and transforms into a functional ramp when the door opens. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated coupling of the ramp to the door, allowing one structure to serve different purposes based on its operational state
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate ramp is added to the door assembly, then accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than adding a completely separate ramp mechanism, the patent integrates the ramp as part of the door assembly itself. The ramp is coupled to the door and moves with it, reducing the number of independent components while still providing the necessary ramp functionality for accessibility
3Ease of operation
If the ramp is integrated with the sliding door, then the ramp can be deployed with the door opening, but the door and ramp must move together requiring coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is pre-configured to automatically engage and disengage at specific points during the door's sliding trajectory. As the door begins to open, the locking assembly automatically releases the ramp, causing it to pivot into its deployed ramp position. This preliminary configuration of the locking mechanism enables automatic coordination without requiring complex real-time control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is designed to automatically control the ramp's movement based on the door's position. As the door slides open, the locking mechanism self-actuates to release the ramp, which then pivots into position under its own weight or with minimal assistance, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door assembly includes, among other things, a ramp pivotable back-and-forth between a stowed position and a deployed position. The vehicle door assembly further includes a door slidable back-and-forth between a closed position and an open position. The door and the ramp are configured to slide together when the ramp is in the stowed position. The door is configured to slide relative to the ramp when the ramp is in the deployed position.