Modular Ramp Assembly Kit for Container Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual loading of large roll-off containers with bulk material is physically demanding and time-consuming, and permanent modifications to the containers are often undesirable or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A modular ramp assembly kit that includes hangers, horizontally-oriented support rails, and inclined planks, allowing for adjustable and interchangeable configurations to facilitate loading and unloading of containers without permanent modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual loading is used to avoid permanent modifications, then container structure integrity is preserved, but loading efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system is divided into separate modular components (ramp assembly, support legs, positioning mechanisms) that can be independently installed and removed without permanently modifying the container. This allows the container structure to remain intact while providing efficient loading capabilities when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable ramp assembly serves as an intermediary device between the ground and container interior, enabling efficient material loading without requiring permanent structural changes to the container. The ramp can be installed temporarily and removed when not needed.
2Productivity
If permanent modifications are made to facilitate loading, then loading efficiency improves, but container adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system transitions from a static permanent modification to a dynamic removable assembly. The ramp and support structures can be installed when loading efficiency is needed and removed when the container needs to be used for other purposes, providing adaptability across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable ramp assembly can be discarded (removed) from the container when not needed for loading, allowing the container to be recovered for other uses without permanent modifications. The loading capability is restored only when the assembly is reinstalled.
3Device complexity
If manual pushing is used to load bulk material, then no additional equipment is needed, but physical effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly creates an inclined plane that reduces the effort required to move bulk material into the container. By providing a gradual slope, the system equalizes the energy expenditure across the loading process, making it less physically demanding and faster than direct manual pushing.
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp is disclosed. The ramp can be installed in a container to facilitate manual loading of the container, such as manual dumping of loads from a wheelbarrow into the container. The ramp can include a plurality of hangers, a plurality of support rails, and at least one plank. The hangers can be identical and interchangeable. Each support rail can include a sleeve portion and a screw portion. The screw portion can be threadably engaged with the sleeve portion to operatively adjust the length of the support rail. The support rails can be suspended from the hangers and can assume an adjustable vertical distance from the hangers. Extension of the support rails can generate a compressive force to secure the support rails within the container. The support rails can be identical and interchangeable. The planks can be identical and interchangeable. The supports are configured to releasably hold a plank therebetween.