Mobile Ramp with Landing Zones and Gas Struts for Server Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramps for moving server racks face challenges in easy movement, secure attachment, and energy efficiency, particularly due to the lack of auto-leveling and flat landing zones that allow tugs to remain in place without power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A mobile ramp with a frame, landing zones, handles, gas struts, and a locking mechanism that allows for easy movement, secure attachment to server pallets, and auto-leveling to reduce power consumption by using gas struts to level and stabilize the ramp when loaded, and facilitate easy movement when unloaded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a ramp is designed with a steep incline to reduce its length, then the ramp becomes more compact and easier to store, but it becomes harder for tugs to ascend and requires more power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into multiple sections with different incline angles. The lower section has a gentler slope to facilitate easy ascent for tugs, while the upper section has a steeper slope to reduce overall ramp length. This segmentation allows the ramp to optimize both accessibility and compactness by combining different geometric configurations in sequence.
2Ease of operation
If a ramp is designed to be mobile with wheels for easy movement, then the ramp can be repositioned easily, but it becomes unstable when loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp incorporates a dynamic stabilization system where wheels are equipped with brakes that can be engaged when the ramp is loaded. The ramp transitions from a mobile state (wheels free to move) to a stationary stable state (wheels braked), allowing it to adapt its properties based on operational requirements. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between mobility and stability.
3Device complexity
If a ramp lacks flat landing zones, then the structure remains simpler, but tugs must consume power to remain in place on the incline during cargo connection
Solution Approach 1:
Flat landing zones are incorporated at strategic positions on the ramp where the incline transitions to a horizontal surface. These zones create equipotential areas where tugs can rest without experiencing gravitational force along the incline, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption to maintain position. The landing zones serve as natural stopping points that reduce energy requirements during cargo connection operations.
4Device complexity
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used to level the ramp, then the structure remains simpler, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp incorporates self-leveling mechanisms such as adjustable feet or automatic leveling systems that respond to the ramp's position and load distribution. When the ramp is placed on uneven surfaces, these mechanisms automatically adjust the height of support points to achieve a level position without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates time-consuming manual adjustments while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 mobile ramp enables efficient and safe movement of server racks by reducing power consumption during attachment and detachment, auto-leveling for stable transport, and easy positioning without manual adjustments, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The ramp structure includes gas struts configured to raise the ramp when a load is placed on the ramp
Implementation Method 2
The ramp structure includes four wheels, one at each corner
Data Source
AI summary
A moveable ramp and method of moving cargo using a moveable ramp. The moveable ramp includes a ramp structure comprising a plurality of planar portions including a lower inclined portion, an upper inclined portion, a first horizontal portion extending between the lower inclined portion and the upper inclined portion and a second horizontal portion extending from an upper end of the upper inclined portion wherein the horizontal portions act as landing zones for a delivery tug moving the cargo onto and off of the ramp. The ramp also includes a locking mechanism at the top end to secure the ramp to a pallet, for sample. The ramp may further include automatic struts such as gas struts.