Modular Ramp System With Pivotal Coupling For Single-User Transport

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixed ramps for sports like skateboarding and BMX are often geographically inaccessible, requiring users to construct temporary ramps using available materials, which is time-consuming and difficult, especially for individuals who need to transport and assemble/disassemble the ramps alone.

Innovation Solution

A modular ramp system with adjustable connecting means that allows for quick assembly and disassembly, enabling a single person to transport and reassemble the ramp, featuring a sliding mechanism and pivotal coupling arrangement for compact storage and customizable panel configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional fixed ramp structures are used, then structural stability is improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp structure is divided into multiple detachable panels that can be separated into individual components. Each panel maintains structural integrity through internal reinforcement, while the segmentation allows the entire ramp to be disassembled for portability. The panels connect through specialized joining mechanisms that provide stability when assembled but enable easy separation when transport is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If modular components are used for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of transportVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional features are merged into single integrated components. The connecting mechanism combines alignment guides, locking features, and structural joints into unified elements that reduce the number of separate parts. This merging simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of discrete steps and components the user must handle, while still maintaining the modular portability benefit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If modular components are used for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but structural stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of transportVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting mechanisms are pre-configured with alignment features and engagement structures that automatically guide proper assembly. The panels include pre-positioned reinforcement elements and integrated joining components that ensure stable connections when assembled. This preliminary preparation of structural features eliminates the need for complex field assembly procedures while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional homemade ramps are constructed, then availability is improved, but time consumption and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveavailabilityVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp is provided as pre-fabricated modular panels that can be quickly assembled from discrete components. This segmentation allows the ramp to be transported in manageable pieces and assembled rapidly at the desired location, eliminating the time-consuming process of constructing a ramp from raw materials while maintaining the ability to create ramps wherever needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2996782B1A modular ramp system
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 MCINTOSH PHILIP
  • EP2996782B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2996782B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2996782B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A modular ramp system comprising a plurality of panels assemblage to form a multi-sectional ramp deck and a collapsible load bearing arrangement for supporting each panel of the multi-sectional ramp deck at a predetermined distance off the ground. At least two of the panels having a correspondingly located connecting assembly locatable proximal to a leading edge and a trailing edge of the adjoining edges of two adjacent panels. The connecting assembly having an arrangement for enabling the main plane of the panels to enter into and out of alignment with one another to engage and disengage the multi-sectional ramp deck. The connecting assembly also having functionality for enabling relative movement of the panels when the main plane of the panels is out of alignment such that all panels are stackable one on another for stowage and/or transport.