Modular Ramp Assembly for Adjustable Lip-Mounted Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramp systems lack versatility and adaptability for easy installation and adjustment on various structures, such as buildings, storage containers, and vehicles, which limits their accessibility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A modular ramp system comprising a first component with a horizontal, vertical portion, and a hook, and a second component with a protrusion and channel, allowing for adjustable and secure attachment to different structures, enabling variable ramp angles and easy assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing ramp systems are used, then basic ramp function is provided, but versatility and adaptability for easy installation and adjustment on various structures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system is divided into multiple modular components including a support component with horizontal and vertical portions, a ramp component with sloped surface, and connection components with hooks and protrusions. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, providing versatility for different installation scenarios while keeping individual component complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The support component's horizontal portion is designed with a width equivalent to the lip length, allowing it to be supported by various lip structures. The vertical portion can hang downward along side portions of different structures. The connection components with hooks and protrusions provide universal attachment capability across different ramp and support component configurations, enabling the same basic components to serve multiple structures and applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular components with multiple parts are used, then adaptability and adjustability are improved, but assembly and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are pre-configured with specific geometric features during manufacturing - the horizontal portion width matches the lip length, the vertical portion width matches the horizontal portion, and the hook width matches the horizontal portion. The connection components have protrusions and channels pre-formed with matching dimensions. This preliminary preparation of standardized interfaces eliminates the need for on-site measurement and customization, allowing rapid assembly through simple alignment and connection of pre-matched components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed ramp systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility for variable ramp angles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The connection between the ramp component and support component is designed to allow variable positioning - the hook can engage with the protrusion at different positions along the channel, enabling the ramp angle to be adjusted according to different ground conditions and structure heights while maintaining structural stability through secure mechanical engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp system is disclosed which may include first and second components. The first component may include horizontal and vertical portions, and a hook. The horizontal portion may be supported by a lip of a structure, and may have a width equivalent to a length of the lip. The vertical portion may be coupled with, and hang downward from, the horizontal portion, and may have the same width as the horizontal portion. The hook may be coupled with the vertical portion, and may have the same width as the horizontal portion. The second component may include a protrusion and channel. The protrusion may have a width equal or less than the width of the horizontal portion, and be supported by the hook. The channel may be coupled with the protrusion, and have the same width. The channel may receive a planar component which forms a sloped surface of a ramp.