Modular Pedestrian Ramp with Self-Locking Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable ramps lack the ability to easily adjust to different lengths and accommodate varying elevation changes, such as different curb heights, and fail to efficiently bridge gaps between level surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A portable modular pedestrian ramp composed of self-locking connectors and modular units, allowing for adjustable lengths without tools, with features like side edge plates, decking, and jack screw assemblies for support, enabling easy assembly and disassembly for transportation and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional portable ramps are used, then they can provide basic elevation transition, but they cannot be easily adjusted to different lengths for varying elevation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into multiple modular units that can be connected in sequence. Each unit has standardized connection interfaces that allow them to be assembled together to form ramps of varying lengths, enabling adaptation to different elevation changes without requiring a completely different ramp design for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the length and configuration to be dynamically changed based on the specific elevation difference. The modular units can be added or removed, and connection points can be repositioned, transforming the ramp from a static structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system.
2Ease of operation
If modular units with self-locking connectors are used, then assembly and disassembly becomes tool-free and easy, but the connection strength must be sufficient to support loads
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to be self-locking, where the modular units automatically secure themselves to adjacent units through interlocking geometries or friction-fit mechanisms. This eliminates the need for external tools or fasteners while maintaining sufficient connection strength through the self-contained locking design of each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism integrates the fastening and locking functions into the modular units themselves, combining multiple functions (structural support, alignment, and securing) into a single integrated connection system. This merging of functions allows tool-free assembly while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the ramp is made portable and modular for easy transportation, then storage and mobility are improved, but the structural stability during use must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is segmented into modular units that can be easily transported and stored separately, then assembled into a stable structure when needed. The standardized connection interfaces ensure that the assembled structure achieves the necessary structural stability despite the modular, portable nature of individual units.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units are pre-designed with integrated connection features and pre-assembled in standardized configurations that ensure stability when deployed. The preliminary design of connection mechanisms and structural geometries ensures that assembly results in a stable structure without requiring additional stabilization steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable modular pedestrian ramp comprises a plurality of modular ramp units. Each of the modular ramp units comprises a pair of side edge plates each having inwardly facing sides to which opposite ends of decking are attached. The side edge plates of at least some of the modular ramp units have opposite ends thereof that are releasably connectable to one another by self-locking connectors to provide different ramp lengths without the need for any tools or fasteners to join the modular ramp units together or disassemble the modular ramp units for transportation and storage.