Foldable Ramp Interlocking Modules for Vehicle Impact Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable ramps in vehicles face issues with impact absorption, as the force from rear impacts is not adequately transferred to the lengthwise main bearers, leading to deformation and potential damage, especially when the central bumper is removed for installation, which compromises passenger safety and requires extensive repairs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of interlocking modules between the horizontal brace of the foldable ramp and the main bearers, which snap in during transport, forming a firm connection to transfer impact forces and prevent deformation both longitudinally and transversely, ensuring that the force is absorbed by the main bearers with deformation elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the central part of the rear bumper is removed for installation of the foldable ramp, then the ramp can be installed and function properly, but the impact force from rear collisions is not sufficiently transferred to the lengthwise main bearers, causing deformation and compromising passenger safety
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is divided into left and right parts with the central part removed to accommodate the foldable ramp. The interlocking modules serve as separate connection elements that bridge the gap between the ramp structure and the main bearers, allowing the ramp to be installed while maintaining structural integrity through distributed connection points rather than a continuous central bumper.
Solution Approach 2:
Interlocking modules are introduced as intermediary elements between the horizontal brace of the foldable ramp and the lengthwise main bearers. These modules include engagement elements that connect to the brace and corresponding receptacles in the main bearers, mediating the force transfer path and ensuring impact forces are properly transmitted to the main structural members even without a central bumper.
2Ease of operation
If the foldable ramp is installed without proper impact force transfer to main bearers, then the ramp operation is simple and accessible, but deformation occurs in the rear part of the vehicle requiring extensive repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking modules are pre-installed in the main bearers before the foldable ramp is mounted. This preliminary installation ensures that the force transfer path is already established and configured correctly, so that when the ramp is operated or subjected to impact forces, the main bearers are immediately engaged to prevent deformation and avoid the need for extensive repairs later.
3Volume of moving object
If the ramp is made to fold completely into the vehicle, then space is maximized and normal operation is possible, but the structural connection must be maintained for safety
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable ramp is designed with dynamic folding capability that allows it to transition between extended and retracted positions. The interlocking modules maintain a permanent structural connection between the ramp assembly and the main bearers regardless of the ramp's position, ensuring that even when folded completely into the vehicle to maximize space, the structural integrity and safety connections remain intact.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle (1) with a foldable ramp (4) has its central part of the bumper replaced with a horizontal brace (7) in the bottom part of the foldable ramp (4). The device under this invention allows to connect ends of the brace (7) with the main bearers (3,3') of the vehicle body by means of interlocking modules. The interlocking module consist of a fixed interlocking element (8) connected with the main bearer (3, 3'), advantageously by means of a bracket (15), and of a moving interlocking element (9) connected with the brace (7). When the interlocking elements (8, 9) snap in a firm connection is created between the main bearers (3, 3') and the brace (7) in the lengthwise and transverse directions.