Hydraulically-Powered Vehicle Leveler With Modular Ramp Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle levelers have limited adjustability and cannot accommodate all types of vehicles, leading to unsafe cargo loading and unloading due to uneven internal floor slopes, and they often rely solely on hydraulic power without battery assistance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle leveler system with highly adjustable ramp sections that can elevate both rear and front axles, incorporating a battery-powered hydraulic system for increased flexibility and safety, featuring removable and extendable portions with metal-grating walkways for improved accessibility and a power unit that can be charged by solar panels or building power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hydraulic leveler system is used, then the leveler can elevate vehicles, but it cannot accommodate all types of vehicles and has limited adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The leveler is divided into separate modular sections (first portion with ramp section, second portion with extension portion) that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the leveler to accommodate different vehicle types and lengths by adjusting the relative positions of the modules, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveler incorporates movable and adjustable components including extendable portions, removable sections, and variable positioning capabilities. These dynamic features enable the system to adapt to different vehicle configurations while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through standardized mechanical interfaces.
2Power
If a hydraulic system is used to power the leveler, then the leveler can operate with high power, but it consumes more energy and requires higher current draw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hydraulic power systems with battery power systems into a hybrid configuration. The battery provides auxiliary power for low-speed positioning and holding functions, while the hydraulic system delivers high power for heavy lifting. This merging reduces overall energy consumption and current draw while maintaining adequate operating power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic actuators with variable displacement pumps and pressure control valves to optimize power delivery. The hydraulic system provides high power when needed for elevation but can operate at reduced power levels for positioning, thereby reducing average energy consumption while maintaining operational capability.
3Reliability
If the leveler has fixed ramp sections, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot minimize the slope of the internal vehicle floor for safe cargo handling
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp sections are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The first and second portions can be independently positioned to create optimal slope configurations for different vehicle types. This dynamic adjustability ensures safe cargo handling by minimizing internal floor slopes while avoiding excessive complexity through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveler allows variation of geometric parameters including ramp angle, section length, and relative positioning between modules. By changing these parameters according to the specific vehicle configuration, the system optimizes the internal floor slope for safe cargo handling without requiring a completely different structure for each vehicle type.
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 minimizes the slope of the internal vehicle floor, enabling safer cargo handling and accommodating various vehicle sizes, while the dual power source reduces energy consumption and allows for efficient operation with lower current draw.
Implementation Method 1
a power unit with a battery and a hydraulic system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle leveler which includes a first portion with a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge is disposed further from the driveway than the leading edge. The leveler also includes a second portion with a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge of the second portion is removably attached to the trailing edge of the first portion and the leading edge of the second portion is disposed further from the driveway than the trailing edge of the second portion. The second portion also includes an extension portion. The vehicle leveler has opposing side portions which have a top surface that forms a walkway. The vehicle leveler having a power unit and a hydraulic system that provides power and allows movement of the first portion and second portion.