Loading Ramp Weight Compensation via Spring Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading ramps struggle with distributing the weight of the middle lip and bridge plate during loading and unloading of lighter vehicles, such as smaller delivery vans, leading to vehicle sagging and potential structural overload.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a supporting element with rollers and compression springs that allow the middle lip to rest on a beam, which is mounted between the side lips, enabling the lifting cylinders to manage the weight by detecting the lip's position and adjusting the movement of the bridge plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the middle lip is lowered onto the loading floor of lighter vehicles, then the loading ramp can be used with smaller delivery vans, but the weight of the middle lip and bridge plate causes vehicle sagging and potential structural overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lift cylinders as counterbalancing elements that actively compensate for the weight of the middle lip and bridge plate. These cylinders provide an upward force that counteracts the downward gravitational force, preventing the vehicle from sagging and avoiding structural overload while maintaining compatibility with lighter delivery vans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary element between the middle lip and the control system. The sensor detects the position of the middle lip and transmits this information to the control unit, which then activates the lift cylinders at the appropriate moment. This intermediary detection mechanism enables precise timing of the weight compensation, ensuring the lift cylinders engage before the full weight transfers to the vehicle.
2Productivity
If the middle lip rests on the loading floor during loading, then loading operations can proceed, but the vehicle must bear the full weight temporarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sensor and control unit that activate the lift cylinders in advance, before the middle lip fully contacts the loading floor. This preliminary action ensures the lift cylinders are already providing upward force when the loading operation begins, preventing the vehicle from bearing the full weight even momentarily while maintaining continuous loading productivity.
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
This configuration minimizes the weight transferred to the vehicle, preventing sagging and overload by using the springs to temporarily support the middle lip, allowing the lifting cylinders to take over the load efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
in between the supporting element and the supporting part a spring is provided
Implementation Method 2
the supporting element is formed by a roller
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Loading ramp (1) for loading platforms, formed by a frame (2) with a bridge plate (3) which at its loading platform side (4) rotatably is connected to the loading platform and at its front side (5) is provided with a retractable and extendable supporting plate (6), that is intended to rest upon the loading floor of a vehicle, which supporting plate is formed by a middle lip (7) and on either side a left side lip (8) and a right side lip (9), whereby the lips are intended to rest upon the loading floor of a vehicle, wherein a supporting element (28) is provided on which the middle lip can rest in a position, which supporting element is provided onto a supporting part, whereby in between the supporting element and the supporting part a spring (30) is provided.