Folding Trailer Ramp Quadrilateral Linkage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding loading ramps for heavy machinery are unstable and prone to surface marring due to the design of hydraulic actuators, which require multiple actuators for segment control and do not effectively lock the ramp tip in a fully extended position, especially on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A quadrilateral linkage system with a single actuator assembly that rotates both the main ramp section and the ramp tip, using a roller coupler to ensure stable extension and minimize surface contact forces, preventing marring and providing intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic actuators are used to control ramp sections, then the ramp can be raised and lowered, but the ramp tip becomes unstable and shifts on the ground surface
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into multiple sections with distinct functional zones: the tip section (30) is separated from the main ramp body, allowing independent control and stabilization mechanisms. This segmentation enables the tip to be specifically designed for ground contact stability while the main body handles the lifting and positioning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A quadrilateral linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the hydraulic actuator and the ramp tip. This linkage system (including links 14, 16, 18, 20) transforms the actuator's linear motion into controlled rotational movement of the ramp tip, providing mechanical advantage and stability that direct actuator coupling cannot achieve.
2Ease of operation
If the ramp tip is directly coupled to the actuator, then the actuator can control the ramp tip position, but the ramp tip creates extreme forces that mar the ground surface
Solution Approach 1:
The quadrilateral linkage mechanism serves as an intermediary that softens the interaction between the actuator and the ground surface. The linkage system distributes and cushions the forces, preventing the extreme point loads that would occur with direct coupling, thereby protecting the ground surface from marring.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism is designed to provide inherent cushioning and force distribution before the ramp tip contacts the ground. The mechanical geometry of the linkage system naturally absorbs and distributes impact forces, preventing harmful concentrated loads on the surface.
3Speed
If a long ramp is used to achieve gentle incline, then the loading angle is reduced, but the ramp creates substantial wind resistance and requires greater height when vertical
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is segmented into modular sections that can be folded during transport. This allows a long ramp configuration for gentle loading angles to be collapsed into a compact form factor for transportation, reducing the effective height and wind resistance during transit while maintaining the full length when deployed.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding trailer ramp suitable for heavy machinery has powered full extension and soft ground contact. A prime mover such as an air bag and actuator assembly rotates one link of a quadrilateral linkage. When deploying the folding ramp, the quadrilateral linkage fully extends a ramp tip from a main ramp segment before the ramp tip touches down onto the ground. The ramp tip locks into a stable position when fully extended. A push rod that forms a second link of the quadrilateral linkage is in some embodiments adjustable in length, and in further embodiments includes a spring pack that only changes length after the ramp tip is fully extended and locked into a stable position. A pivot arm that forms another link may terminate at an anti-friction roller that presses against and thereby locks the ramp tip. A roller channel may also partially encompass and protect the anti-friction roller.