Fold Out Ramp Assembly With Rotating Portion For Curb Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fold out wheelchair ramps face challenges in varying curb heights and road surfaces, leading to steep ramp angles that can be difficult for mobility-impaired individuals to navigate, with existing solutions like self-aligning ramp assemblies creating obstacles due to the drop-off between the vehicle floor and inclined surface.
Innovation Solution
A ramp assembly that deploys in multiple positions, with a ramp portion rotating to minimize the slope of the roadside portion and adjust the angle between the ramp and intermediate panel, allowing for a smoother transition and reduced drop-off, using a support assembly with cam elements and bearing elements to control orientation and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ramp is deployed to curbs of varying heights, then the ramp can accommodate different alighting surfaces, but the ramp angle becomes steep and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly is divided into two distinct segments: a fixed panel portion attached to the vehicle floor and a movable ramp portion that rotates relative to the panel. This segmentation allows the ramp portion to independently adjust its angle and position to optimize the transition slope for varying curb heights while maintaining adaptability across different deployment scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp portion is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, enabling it to rotate about an axis relative to the panel portion. This dynamic capability allows the ramp to adjust its angle of inclination and horizontal position, optimizing the transition slope for different curb heights and road conditions while maintaining navigability.
2Ease of operation
If the ramp assembly is installed at the front of the bus, then the ramp can extend laterally toward the curb, but a drop-off is formed between the vehicle floor and inclined surface creating obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The solution addresses the drop-off problem by utilizing horizontal positioning adjustment in addition to angular adjustment. The ramp portion can be rotated to different angular positions, allowing the operator to optimize both the angle of inclination and the horizontal distance from the vehicle, thereby minimizing the vertical drop-off and creating a smoother transition.
3Manufacturing precision
If a self-aligning platform mechanism is used to align the ramp with the platform, then the ramp surface aligns with the platform surface, but the configuration presents disadvantages due to drop-off formation
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than relying solely on a fixed self-aligning mechanism that may create drop-off issues, the invention provides dynamic adjustment capability through rotation of the ramp portion. This allows the operator to optimize the alignment and angle simultaneously, achieving precise ramp-platform alignment while minimizing harmful drop-off effects through controlled angular positioning.
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 solution reduces the ramp slope and drop-off height, enhancing safety and accessibility for wheelchair users by providing a more gradual transition between the vehicle and alighting surface, accommodating varying curb heights and road conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A cam element is fixedly located relative to the frame, and a bearing element is disposed on the ramp portion. The bearing element is configured to engage the cam element as the ramp portion moves from the stowed position toward the deployed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp assembly provides a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface. The ramp assembly is moveable between a stowed position, a first deployed position, and a second deployed position. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion coupled for rotational movement and a panel rotatable about a first end. The ramp portion supportingly engages a second end of the panel to elevate the second end of the panel as the ramp portion moves toward the second deployed position. A method of deploying the ramp portion includes the step of rotating the ramp portion until the ramp portion contacts the alighting surface. The method further includes the steps of rotating the ramp portion until the ramp assembly reaches the first deployed position, in which the ramp portion forms a predetermined angle with the panel, and selectively rotating the ramp portion to the second deployment position.