Multi-Tiered Ridge Decking Traction via Aluminum Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ramps and platforms often lack sufficient traction and slip resistance, particularly for users with mobility issues, due to traditional flat or single-tiered decking surfaces, which can lead to accidents and increased assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a decking system with multi-tiered ridges and optional knurling on the tread surface, manufactured through aluminum extrusion, providing increased surface area and friction for improved traction without creating tripping hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flat or single-tiered decking surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simpler and cost is lower, but traction and slip resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tread surface is segmented into multiple tiers of ridges rather than using a single flat surface or single-tiered structure. This segmentation creates multiple contact points and increases the effective surface area for friction, thereby improving traction and slip resistance while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular ridge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional multi-tiered ridge structure. By adding vertical dimensionality with multiple tiers, the surface area available for contact and friction is significantly increased, enhancing traction without requiring a proportional increase in horizontal space or overall structural complexity.
2Reliability
If multi-tiered ridges with increased surface area are implemented, then traction is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-tiered ridge structure is merged into a single integrated aluminum extrusion profile rather than being assembled from separate components. This consolidation allows the complex multi-tiered geometry to be manufactured in one continuous extrusion process, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the desired increased surface area and friction characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the geometric parameters of the ridges (height, spacing, tier configuration) to achieve the target coefficient of friction enhancement of 2-15%. By carefully controlling these parameters within specific ranges, the design achieves improved traction while keeping the extrusion process feasible and cost-effective, avoiding excessive manufacturing complexity.
3Productivity
If aluminum extrusion process is used, then manufacturing cost and assembly time are reduced, but structural complexity must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-tiered ridge structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides traction enhancement, maintains structural integrity, and enables modular assembly. By integrating these functions into a single extruded profile, the design achieves reduced assembly time and manufacturing cost while managing the geometric complexity through functional consolidation rather than separate components.
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 multi-tiered ridges and knurling significantly enhance the coefficient of friction by 2-15% compared to standard tread surfaces, reducing slippage and improving user safety while minimizing manufacturing and assembly costs through lightweight, extruded aluminum construction.
Implementation Method 1
the tread surface includes a plurality of multi-tiered ridges on the top deck surface for contact with a traveling body on the top deck surface
Implementation Method 2
The method includes extruding one or more portions of the decking system in an aluminum extrusion process
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp and/or platform assembly includes a decking system having a tread surface on at least a portion of a top deck surface of the decking system, wherein the tread surface includes a plurality of multi-tiered ridges on the top deck surface for contact with a traveling body on the top deck surface.