Lift Platform Locking Mechanism for Foldable Gate Stability

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lift gates with folding platforms face issues with section buckling when loads are applied, as there is no effective mechanism to lock and unlock the platform sections securely, leading to instability and inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A lift platform locking mechanism comprising a main body, an elongated bolt, and a bolt holder that restricts or allows rotation of adjacent sections by sliding the bolt within a housing, utilizing biasing members to maintain the bolt in locked or unlocked positions, ensuring secure locking and easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lift platform sections are made foldable to enable stowing under the vehicle bed, then the ease of operation and space utilization are improved, but the structural stability and resistance to buckling under load deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform folding capabilityVSAvoidsection stability under load

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lift platform sections are designed to be dynamically configurable between folded and unfolded states through hinge connections. The sections can transition between different spatial configurations, allowing the platform to adapt its shape and size based on operational requirements, thereby achieving ease of operation and space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lift platform is divided into multiple discrete sections that can be independently folded and unfolded. This segmentation allows the platform to maintain structural integrity in the unfolded state while enabling compact stowing when folded, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the platform sections are locked together to prevent buckling under load, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of folding and unfolding deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesection stability under loadVSAvoidplatform folding operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the platform's configuration. When sections are unfolded, the locking mechanism self-activates to prevent buckling under load. When folded, it self-releases to allow compact stowing, thereby maintaining both stability and ease of operation without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the platform sections, providing automatic stabilization when needed while remaining unobtrusive during folding operations. The locking mechanism engages only when sections are in the unfolded load-bearing configuration, allowing easy folding when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent section buckling, then the reliability under load is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the platform's configuration. When sections are unfolded, the locking mechanism self-activates to prevent buckling under load. When folded, it self-releases to allow compact stowing, thereby maintaining both stability and ease of operation without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the platform sections, providing automatic stabilization when needed while remaining unobtrusive during folding operations. The locking mechanism engages only when sections are in the unfolded load-bearing configuration, allowing easy folding when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 mechanism effectively prevents section buckling by maintaining the platform sections in a stable, level position during loading and allows easy folding and unfolding, enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of the lift gate system.

Implementation Method 1

The main body further includes a biasing member for urging the bolt handle against the retaining structure in the locked position of the locking mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10710488B2Lift platform with lock and release system

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 MAXON IND INC

AI summary

Embodiments of a lift gate include comprise a foldable lift platform including multiple sections that are rotatable relative to one another for folding and unfolding the lift platform, a lifting mechanism for supporting and moving the lift platform, and at least one lift platform locking mechanism coupled to two adjacent sections of the lift platform to lock and unlock two adjacent sections of the lift platform together. The locking mechanism has a locked position and an unlocked position, such that in the locked position the locking mechanism restricts rotation of the two adjacent sections relative to one another.