Hinged Loading Ramp With Position-Activated Lights
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Loading ramps are cumbersome when stored and often require supporting heavy weights, with existing solutions not addressing the need for a compact and illuminated option for safe and efficient vehicle loading.
Innovation Solution
A loading ramp design featuring first and second ramp portions coupled by a hinge assembly for movement between extended and folded positions, with integrated lights powered by a switch assembly and a power source, allowing for illumination in the extended position and deactivation in the folded position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the loading ramp is made long to support heavy vehicles, then the weight support capability is improved, but the storage convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The loading ramp is divided into two separate ramp portions (first ramp portion and second ramp portion) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for strength while the overall structure can be folded for compact storage, resolving the contradiction between supporting heavy vehicles and ease of storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly enables the ramp portions to dynamically change between extended and folded configurations. When extended, the ramp provides sufficient length and strength for vehicle support; when folded, it becomes compact for convenient storage, thus dynamically adapting to different operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the loading ramp is made compact for easy storage, then the storage convenience is improved, but the ability to support heavy weights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can change its configuration. In the folded state, it achieves compactness for easy storage; in the extended state, it provides the necessary length and structural integrity to support heavy vehicle weights, thus dynamically resolving the strength-convenience trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the ramp into two portions connected by a hinge, each portion can be designed with optimized structural characteristics. The segmentation allows the ramp to achieve both compact folded dimensions and sufficient extended length for heavy load support.
3Reliability
If lights are continuously illuminated for safety, then the safety is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lights operate periodically rather than continuously - they are activated when the ramp is in the extended position (when needed for safety during vehicle loading) and deactivated when folded (when not in use). This periodic operation maintains safety during critical operations while minimizing energy consumption during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch assembly provides feedback-based control by detecting the ramp's position (extended or folded) and automatically activating or deactivating the lights accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures lights are only on when the ramp is deployed for use, maintaining safety while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A loading ramp includes first and second ramp portions that are coupled by a hinge assembly such that the first and second ramp portions are movable relative to one another between an extended position and a folded position. The loading ramp also has one or more lights coupled to one of the ramp portions and a switch assembly coupled to the ramp portions such that in the extend position the switch assembly is activated to illuminate the one or more lights.