Mobile Distribution Platform with Pivotable Ramps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation and distribution systems lack the flexibility to respond effectively to sudden changes in consumer demand, particularly during natural and man-made disasters, leading to bottlenecks and inadequate delivery of products, commodities, and resources to affected areas.
Innovation Solution
A mobile distribution platform apparatus that includes a tractor platform with pivotable ramps and adjustable support jacks, allowing for flexible configuration as a transportation and distribution hub without the need for stationary facilities, enabling loading and unloading of tractor trailers and railcars without a railroad engine, and can be positioned at any location, including adjacent to railroad tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex and extensive networks of transportation, storage and distribution are used, then adequate service is provided under normal conditions, but the system lacks flexibility to meet sudden changes in consumer demand during disasters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mobile distribution platform that can be dynamically repositioned to disaster areas, transforming the static distribution network into a dynamic system. The platform includes movable trailers with extendable ramps and support legs that can be deployed at any location, enabling the system to adapt to sudden changes in consumer demand during disasters while maintaining reliable service delivery.
2Ease of manufacture
If present-day transportation and distribution systems are used, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but the systems clog up and become subject to unforeseen bottlenecks during disaster situations
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile distribution platform serves as an intermediary element that bridges existing infrastructure limitations and disaster relief needs. The platform can be positioned at strategic locations such as highway exits or railroad tracks to create alternative distribution channels, thereby bypassing bottlenecks in the existing transportation system and maintaining productivity during disasters.
3Stability of the object's composition
If stationary distribution facilities are used, then stable distribution points are established, but the inability to quickly relocate to critical areas delays response to emerging needs
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile distribution platform combines the stability of fixed facilities with the mobility needed for rapid response. The platform includes stable support legs that provide a steady distribution point once deployed, while the entire system can be quickly relocated by towing the trailers to new critical areas, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with establishing new distribution points from scratch.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mobile distribution platforms with pivotable ramps and support jacks are deployed, then flexibility and rapid deployment are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile distribution platform is segmented into modular components including multiple trailers that can be independently transported, pivotable ramps that can be independently deployed, and support legs that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping individual component complexity manageable, even though the overall system provides high flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile distribution platform apparatus and method utilizing an over the road tractor platform constructed to be freely movable upon the road system. A plurality of ramps are each pivotally joined to the platform and each pivotable between a raised travel configuration and lowered to an extending loading configuration. Each ramp further includes a plurality of adjustable removable support jacks which may be installed on the underside of a ramp and extend downwardly therefrom to provide support for the ramp in its loading configuration. The mobile distribution platform provides a transportation and distribution hub which may be located as required without the need of stationary support facilities. In addition to providing a road transport hub, the present invention mobile distribution platform also provides the capability to locate adjacent a section of railroad track without the need of supporting stationary facilities.