Folding ORV Loading Ramp With Locking Hinges for Stable Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loading heavy off-road vehicles (ORVs) into the bed of over-the-road vehicles is challenging due to safety concerns and the difficulty of using existing loading ramps effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle bed loading ramp system featuring a hinged coupling between two sections of ramps, equipped with wheels and locking hinge assemblies, allowing for safe and easy loading and unloading of ORVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid loading ramp is used to support heavy ORVs, then the ramp can bear the vehicle weight, but the ramp is difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The loading ramp is divided into two separate sections (first section and second section) that can be independently handled. Each section has its own rigid framework providing structural strength, while the modular design allows the sections to be stored separately or folded together, resolving the contradiction between load-bearing capacity and storage convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The locking hinge assemblies enable the ramp sections to transition between fixed rigid positions (when locked in open or closed states for loading/transport) and movable folded positions (when unlocked for storage). This dynamic capability allows the ramp to adapt between requiring structural rigidity and requiring compact storage
2Ease of operation
If a foldable ramp system is used for easy storage, then the ramp is compact for storage, but the ramp may collapse under heavy vehicle weight
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical locking hinge assemblies provide a curved, robust joint mechanism that maintains structural integrity while enabling folding motion. The cylindrical shape distributes mechanical stresses evenly during both folded and extended states, ensuring reliability while preserving the foldable design for compact storage
Solution Approach 2:
The locking hinge assemblies are pre-configured with locking mechanisms that engage before heavy loads are applied. This preliminary locking action ensures the ramp structure is securely locked in its load-bearing configuration before the ORV is driven onto the ramp, preventing collapse while maintaining foldability for storage
3Reliability
If locking mechanisms are added to secure the ramp sections, then the ramp stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and hinging functions are merged into a single integrated locking hinge assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms and hinge structures, providing stable section coupling while minimizing the increase in device complexity. The unified design maintains reliability without adding excessive complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle bed loading ramp systems are disclosed. Systems include (a) a first section comprising a rigid framework defining a pair of ramps, the first section having first outer edges extending parallel to the ramps; (b) a second section comprising a rigid framework defining a pair of ramps, the second section having second outer edges extending parallel to the ramps; (c) at least one wheel mounted adjacent each of the first outer edges; and (d) a pair of locking hinge assemblies mounted to extend between one of the first outer edges and an adjacent one of the second outer edges to provide a hinged coupling between the first section and the second section. When the locking hinge assemblies are locked open the ramps of the first and second sections are colinearly arranged and capable of supporting the weight of an off-road vehicle to be loaded without collapsing.