Lattice Loading Platform Reducing Thickness for Wheeled Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tiltable loading platforms for wheeled vehicles have a steep approach angle due to their thickness, making it difficult to load and unload vehicles or equipment, and there is a need for a design that reduces thickness while maintaining structural integrity to lower the center of gravity and accommodate larger loads.
Innovation Solution
A loading platform with a lattice frame assembly and a load-supporting floor that includes a central plate and rear floor plate made of high-strength low carbon steel, featuring a V-shaped central plate and criss-cross cross bracing assemblies, which reduces thickness while maintaining structural rigidity and supporting large loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional main beams and cross sills are superposed to form a loading platform, then structural strength is improved, but platform thickness increases resulting in a steep approach angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional superposition of beams and sills to a three-dimensional lattice structure. The lattice frame assembly interweaves longitudinal beams and transverse sills in a criss-cross pattern, creating a spatial framework that achieves superior strength-to-thickness ratio. This dimensional transformation allows the platform to maintain high structural integrity while reducing overall thickness to approximately 6 inches, thereby achieving a softer approach angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structural system combining steel lattice framing with wood or composite floor decking. The steel lattice provides the primary structural framework with high strength-to-weight ratio, while the floor material fills the lattice openings to provide a continuous load-bearing surface. This composite approach optimizes both strength and thickness characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If platform thickness is reduced to achieve a softer approach angle, then ease of loading is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the platform structure into discrete lattice elements - individual longitudinal beams and transverse sills arranged in a modular pattern. Each lattice member acts as an independent load-bearing element, and the distributed lattice pattern throughout the platform thickness creates multiple load paths. This segmentation allows the thin platform to maintain structural integrity by distributing stresses across numerous discrete elements rather than relying on a single thick component.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice frame assembly is pre-configured with cross bracing and diagonal members during manufacturing, creating a rigid truss structure before the platform is installed or loaded. This preliminary structural configuration ensures that the platform enters service with optimized stress distribution patterns already in place, maintaining integrity under heavy loads despite the reduced thickness.
3Strength
If conventional loading platform design is used, then structural support is adequate, but center of gravity is elevated and larger vehicles cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from a flat, two-dimensional platform construction to a three-dimensional lattice framework, the patent redistributes structural material vertically and horizontally. This spatial arrangement moves mass closer to the vehicle chassis while maintaining load-bearing capacity, effectively lowering the center of gravity. The lattice structure's three-dimensional configuration allows structural strength to be achieved through spatial distribution rather than vertical stacking, reducing the platform's overall height.
Data Source
AI summary
A loading platform for a wheeled vehicle. The loading platform comprises a frame extending along a longitudinal axis. The frame comprises an elongated central shell having two spaced-apart elongated beams with an upper end and an elongated central plate secured to and connecting the upper ends of the spaced-apart elongated beams. The frame also comprises cross bracing assemblies extending on opposed sides of the elongated central shell, each one of the cross bracing assemblies including a plurality of intersecting bracing plates secured at a proximal end to a respective one of the elongated beams of the central shell.