Folded Paper Ramp Assembly for Heavy Appliance Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramps for unloading wheeled or castered articles from shipping bases are not made entirely from folded paper and cannot withstand the load forces of large appliances, making them ineffective for this purpose.
Innovation Solution
A ramp assembly comprising two or more top and bottom members made of folded paper-based material, with specific slot configurations for interlocking, providing structural integrity and load-bearing support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional materials like wood or plywood are used for ramps, then the ramp can withstand load forces, but the ramp cannot be easily disposed of or recycled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms paper from a weak material into a strong load-bearing structure by changing its physical parameters through folding into geometric patterns (triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids). These folded configurations fundamentally alter the material's mechanical properties, enabling it to support heavy appliance loads while remaining recyclable
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp combines multiple paper components with different folded structures (bottom member with vertical panels, top member with wedge shape and support panels) to create a composite paper structure. This composite approach distributes loads across multiple geometric elements, achieving strength comparable to traditional materials while maintaining recyclability
2Ease of manufacture
If a paper ramp is designed to be simple and easy to manufacture, then it can be easily produced, but it cannot withstand the load forces of large appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into separate manufacturable components (bottom member and top member) that are assembled together. Each component consists of multiple folded panels that can be independently formed and then connected through interlocking features, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the required strength through the combined structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from flat two-dimensional paper blanks to three-dimensional folded structures. The folding process creates vertical panels, wedge shapes, and geometric patterns that add dimensional complexity and structural strength without requiring complex manufacturing processes, only precise folding lines
3Strength
If a ramp structure is made complex to increase strength, then it can support heavy loads, but the ramp becomes difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The complex strong structure is segmented into modular components (bottom member with engagement features, top member with corresponding features) that can be assembled through simple interlocking. The segmentation allows the complex geometry to be broken down into manageable pieces that fit together through predetermined engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp components feature nested geometric patterns where folded panels are positioned within and alongside each other to create interlocking structures. The support panels nest within the wedge-shaped top member, and engagement features nest between components, creating a strong assembled structure from simpler individual parts
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp assembly that can be used to unload a wheeled article from a pallet or shipping base. The ramp assembly may comprise two top members affixed to a bottom member, each component made of folded paper based material.