Nestable Polymeric Wheel Ramps With Removable Chocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal ramps are heavy, difficult to maneuver, and require significant storage space, while polymeric ramps lack structural integrity to support larger vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic, injection-molded polymeric ramp with a slanted surface and a wheel supporting portion featuring spaced apart columns and removable chocks, allowing for nesting and enhanced structural integrity to support vehicle weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal ramps are used to provide structural integrity, then the ramps can support vehicle weight, but the ramps become heavy and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating reinforcement elements (such as fiberglass, Kevlar, or metal rods) within a polymeric matrix to create a ramp structure that combines the light weight of polymers with the strength of reinforcement materials, thereby achieving both lightweight portability and sufficient load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by strategically placing reinforcement elements in high-stress areas of the ramp structure, such as the load-bearing surfaces and support beams, while maintaining lighter material composition in non-critical areas, optimizing both strength and weight distribution
2Strength
If metal ramps are used to provide structural integrity, then the ramps can support vehicle weight, but the ramps require significant storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by designing the ramp structure with hollow internal cavities or channels that allow one ramp to be inserted inside another when not in use, significantly reducing the storage footprint while maintaining full structural integrity through the reinforcement architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ramp into modular sections or components that can be disassembled and stored compactly, with reinforcement elements integrated into each module to maintain overall structural strength when reassembled
3Weight of moving object
If polymeric ramps are used to reduce weight, then the ramps become lightweight and easier to maneuver, but the ramps lack strength to support larger vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating reinforcement elements (such as fiberglass, Kevlar, or metal rods) within a polymeric matrix to create a ramp structure that combines the light weight of polymers with the strength of reinforcement materials, thereby achieving both lightweight portability and sufficient load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial or excessive action by incorporating reinforcement materials in greater quantities or with higher strength properties than would be apparent from the external appearance of the polymeric ramp, ensuring adequate strength support for larger vehicles while maintaining the lightweight polymeric exterior
4Weight of moving object
If polymeric ramps are used to reduce weight, then the ramps become lightweight and easier to maneuver, but the ramps can bend and buckle under vehicle weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating reinforcement elements (such as fiberglass, Kevlar, or metal rods) within a polymeric matrix to create a ramp structure that combines the light weight of polymers with the strength of reinforcement materials, thereby achieving both lightweight portability and sufficient load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing reinforcement elements and structural supports within the polymeric ramp during manufacturing, creating internal frameworks that prevent bending and buckling before the ramp is subjected to vehicle loads, ensuring structural stability from the outset
Data Source
AI summary
A monolithic, polymer ramp for elevating a tire of a vehicle from ground level to an elevated position includes a slanted portion having a slanted surface extending from a front end, the slanted surface configured to engage the tire and elevate the tire to the elevated position. The ramp includes a wheel supporting portion having a substantially flat surface extending from the slanted surface and a first chock molded therein proximate a back end, wherein the slanted surface and the substantially flat surface comprise a plurality of spaced apart rows of spaced apart columns wherein the spaced apart columns extend from apertures in the slanted surface and the substantially flat surface and terminate at a distal end that is proximately even with the front end.