Vehicle Load Ramp Control for Freezing and Movement Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load ramps for vehicles lack features that enhance user convenience and safety, particularly in varying weather conditions and during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with a load ramp that is deployably coupled to a closure panel, featuring a moisture sensor, a heating element, and a controller that monitors weather conditions and vehicle operations to prevent deployment in adverse weather and ensure safe use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the load ramp is deployed to provide loading access, then ease of operation is improved, but vehicle safety is worsened due to risk of movement with extended ramp
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a microphone to detect scraping sounds and a controller to process this audio feedback. When the scraping sound frequency correlates with vehicle speed, the controller identifies this as feedback indicating the load ramp is extended while the vehicle is moving, triggering a safety response to prevent damage or injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors vehicle operations and load ramp status without requiring manual user input. The controller continuously checks motor current, processes microphone input, and autonomously determines when the load ramp is improperly extended, providing self-monitoring and self-protection functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the load ramp is deployed in cold weather, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened due to freezing temperatures causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The controller proactively checks weather conditions and temperature forecasts before allowing load ramp deployment. By monitoring local weather reports and current ambient temperature, the system prevents deployment in advance when freezing conditions are predicted, avoiding the harmful effect of freezing on the load ramp.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies counter-action by blocking load ramp deployment when adverse weather conditions are detected. The controller monitors temperature and weather forecasts, and when freezing conditions are predicted, it prevents the deployment action from occurring, thereby counteracting the potential harmful effect before it can manifest.
3Reliability
If multiple monitoring features are added to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors motor current to detect load ramp position, processes microphone input to detect scraping sounds, checks weather conditions and temperature forecasts, and executes safety responses. By making the controller multi-functional, the system achieves comprehensive safety monitoring without adding separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple monitoring capabilities (audio detection, temperature sensing, weather monitoring, motor current analysis) into a single integrated control system. The controller consolidates these different monitoring functions and coordinates their responses, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each monitoring function.
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 solution provides enhanced user convenience by ensuring the load ramp is only deployed in safe conditions and safety by preventing vehicle movement when the load ramp is extended, reducing the risk of damage or injury.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element positioned proximate to the free end of the load ramp
Implementation Method 2
a moisture sensor positioned proximate to the free end of the load ramp
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a body, an access aperture that is defined by the body, a closure panel, a load ramp, and a moisture sensor. The access aperture provides access to an interior of the vehicle. The closure panel selectively covers at least a portion of the access aperture. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the access aperture. The load ramp is deployably coupled to the closure panel. The load ramp includes a coupled end and a free end. The load ramp is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The moisture sensor is positioned proximate to the free end of the load ramp. Methods of controlling the vehicle are also disclosed.