Folding Cargo Bed Ramp With Nested Extension and Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle attachment systems lack an efficient and versatile solution for loading, transporting, and storing equipment in cargo beds, particularly in converting between closed and open positions for secure object transfer.

Innovation Solution

A folding convertible ramp body system that attaches to a vehicle's cargo bed, featuring a cargo bed extender with a rotating ramp that folds out from within itself, allowing for increased cargo area and secure locking mechanisms to maintain positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a ramp structure is added to a vehicle to facilitate loading and unloading of cargo, then the ease of operation for transferring objects is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of object transferVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp structure is nested within the cargo bed itself, with the ramp folding out from within the cargo bed structure. When not in use, the ramp is stored inside the cargo bed, utilizing existing space rather than adding external components. This nesting approach provides loading functionality without permanently increasing device complexity or requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp is designed as a dynamic, movable structure that can be deployed and retracted as needed. The ramp folds out along a hinge axis to create a loading surface, then folds back into the cargo bed when not in use. This dynamic design allows the system to transition between different configurations, providing ease of operation only when needed while maintaining a compact form when stored.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of stationary object

If the cargo bed area is expanded to increase storage capacity, then the volume of stationary object is improved, but the device complexity and structural requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo bed volumeVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo bed is extended in the vertical dimension by folding the ramp structure outward from the cargo bed. This creates additional loading area and effective cargo volume without requiring the cargo bed to be permanently larger. The extension utilizes the vertical space above the cargo bed floor, transforming a two-dimensional surface into a three-dimensional loading zone only when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp structure is divided into multiple foldable segments that can be deployed independently. The ramp consists of a first portion and a second portion connected by a hinge, allowing selective deployment of different sections. This segmentation enables the cargo bed to expand its effective volume only in the specific area needed for loading, rather than requiring uniform expansion of the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If locking mechanisms are added to secure the ramp in position, then the reliability of position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the ramp is deployed into its loading position. The geometry of the ramp and its support structure creates natural engagement points that lock the ramp in place without requiring separate locking components or manual intervention. This self-locking approach provides reliable position stability while avoiding the addition of complex locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively expands the usable cargo area, facilitates easy object transfer between vehicles and the ground, and ensures secure locking to prevent unintended position changes, enhancing efficiency and safety in cargo management.

Implementation Method 1

The folding ramp portion of the convertible ramp body may be connected to the cargo bed extender by a first axis of rotation to allow the ramp to rotate upward and downward there about

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 2

The folding ramp portion of the convertible ramp body may be connected to the cargo bed extender by a first axis of rotation to allow the ramp to rotate upward and downward there about and may fold out from within itself along a secondary axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFolding: Folding

Data Source

PatentUS12202395B1Folding convertible ramp body for use with vehicles, a combination vehicle and folding convertible ramp body, and/or a device for loading rolling tools into a vehicle using a folding convertible ramp body
Publication Date: 2025.01.21 FARMER WYATT TAFT
  • US12202395B1 patent drawing
  • US12202395B1 patent drawing
  • US12202395B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A folding convertible ramp body for use with vehicles, specifically sport utility vehicles, vans, and/or trucks. A combination vehicle and folding convertible ramp body for loading and/or unloading objects into said vehicle. A device for loading rolling tools into a vehicle using a folding convertible ramp body that may be retrofitted onto the vehicle.