Extruded Ramp and Load Leveler Beams With Internal Brace Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination ramp and load levelers are heavy and complex due to multiple welded components, leading to potential damage from weld failures during cargo loading and transportation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates extruded beams with internal brace walls and a plate with traction openings, secured by a tongue and groove joint and welds, to enhance strength and rigidity while minimizing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple components are welded together to construct combination ramp and load levelers, then the structural strength is improved, but the device weight increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (side rails, cross members, support legs) into a single integrated extruded beam structure. The extruded beam is formed as one piece with internal webbing that provides structural support, eliminating the need for multiple welded components while maintaining strength and reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy material that combines strength-to-weight advantages. The extruded beam incorporates internal webbing structures that optimize material distribution to provide maximum strength with minimum weight, leveraging the properties of aluminum composite structures.
2Strength
If multiple components are welded together to construct combination ramp and load levelers, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple structural elements into a single extruded beam component. The side rails, cross members, and support legs are all formed as integral parts of the extruded beam with internal webbing, eliminating the need for separate components and welding operations, thus simplifying the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extruded beam is designed with internal segmentation through webbing structures that divide the internal space into compartments. This internal segmentation provides structural support and strength while maintaining a simple external monolithic structure, avoiding the complexity of multiple external components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If welded construction is used for combination ramp and load levelers, then structural integrity is improved, but the risk of weld failure and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates welding by combining all structural elements into a single extruded beam. The integral construction ensures structural integrity through the continuous material structure and internal webbing design, removing the risk of weld failures entirely while maintaining or improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp apparatus may include an extruded beam extending between a first ramp end and a second ramp end. The extruded beam may include a top wall, a bottom wall opposite the top wall, and a first side wall and a second side wall that each extend between the top and bottom walls. A first brace wall can extend at an angle away from the first side wall at a first interior corner of the extruded beam. A second brace wall may extend at an angle away from the second side wall at a second interior corner of the extruded beam.