Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Ramp for Mass Transit Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ramps for passenger transport vehicles, particularly buses and trams, face challenges due to increased weight and electrical conductivity issues, which complicate their integration and operation, especially in multi-axle buses and electrically driven trams.
Innovation Solution
A ramp system featuring a trough-shaped device made of plastic, incorporating a plastic ramp platform and motor-driven spindles with a belt drive, where the ramp platform can be folded away from the drive, utilizing fiber-reinforced plastic for stability and non-conductivity, thereby reducing weight and eliminating electrical conductivity concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If aluminum or steel ramps are used, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases and electrical conductivity issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using fiber-reinforced plastic (specifically glass fiber or carbon fiber reinforced plastic) for the ramp platform and trough. This composite material provides both the required mechanical strength and durability while simultaneously reducing weight compared to traditional aluminum or steel ramps, and eliminating electrical conductivity issues.
2Weight of moving object
If fiber-reinforced plastic is used for the trough and ramp platform, then weight is reduced and electrical non-conductivity is achieved, but structural stability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiber-reinforced plastic (glass fiber or carbon fiber reinforced plastic) for both the trough and ramp platform. The fiber reinforcement provides the necessary structural stability and load-bearing capacity while the plastic matrix reduces weight and eliminates electrical conductivity, achieving both weight reduction and stability maintenance simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If the ramp platform is made flexible with a rubber lip connection, then ease of operation is improved, but precision of positioning may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rubber lip (flexible element) to connect the ramp platform to the drive mechanism. This flexible connection allows the ramp platform to be easily deployed and positioned while accommodating minor misalignments, providing ease of operation. The rubber lip acts as a flexible coupling that maintains sufficient positioning accuracy for practical purposes.
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
The plastic-based ramp system achieves significant weight reduction and avoids electrical conductivity issues, allowing for seamless integration in trams and trolleybuses without restrictions, while maintaining operational efficiency and load absorption capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The spindles themselves are motor-driven. The ramp platform is driven by the at least one spindle via a spindle nut which is arranged on the spindle and is connected to the ramp platform.
Implementation Method 2
The motor drive for the spindles comprises a motor which is connected to the at least one spindle by a power transmission element, e.g. B. a belt drive.
Implementation Method 3
a particularly stable trough being able to be formed when using fiber-reinforced plastic. The ramp platform is also preferably made of plastic, in particular fiber-reinforced plastic.
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp access for an omnibus is located within the vehicle and deploys under its own power to link the vehicle floor with the adjacent ground. The ramp metal (1) frame takes the load of both the a fibre-reinforced plastic ramp panel (2) and the drive system (3). The drive system is an electric motor with belt drive.