Orbiting Ramp Assembly for Fast Low-Friction Truck Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramp systems for transport vehicles face challenges in deployment and stowage efficiency, require lengthy setup times, and are prone to wear due to unsupported weight distribution and high friction, especially when used on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An orbiting ramp assembly with a reinforced platform that slides or rotates out from beneath the truck, utilizing low-friction bearing wheels and vertical sliding surfaces, allowing easy deployment and stowage by a single operator, and featuring a connector for quick attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pivotally attached ramp with stabilization legs is used to provide flexibility in ramp positioning, then adaptability is improved, but setup time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system is divided into separate functional components: a storage compartment integrated into the truck bed, a ramp panel, and bearing wheels. This segmentation allows the ramp to be quickly deployed by simply pulling it from storage rather than assembling multiple parts, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing wheels are designed to automatically support the ramp's weight and facilitate its movement without requiring manual positioning or external stabilization structures. The system serves itself by using the bearing wheels to handle the ramp's weight, eliminating the need for stabilization legs and reducing setup complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a pivot mechanism supports the weight of the load and delivery person during operation, then ease of operation is improved, but wear and tear increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight-bearing function is extracted from the pivot mechanism and transferred to the bearing wheels. The pivot connection now only needs to provide rotational movement, while the bearing wheels handle the heavy load support, reducing stress on the pivot mechanism and improving overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional pivot mechanism that must support weight is replaced with a bearing wheel system. The bearing wheels provide low-friction rotation and weight support, substituting the overloaded mechanical pivot with a more durable rolling contact system that separates the functions of rotation and weight bearing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a ramp system with stabilization legs extending to ground surface is used, then stability is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing wheels serve dual functions: they support the weight of the ramp and simultaneously provide the stabilization function previously requiring separate legs. By merging these functions into a single component, the system achieves stability without increasing complexity or setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing wheels are designed as multi-functional elements that combine weight support, rotation facilitation, and stabilization functions. This universal component eliminates the need for separate stabilization legs, reducing device complexity while maintaining ramp stability during operation.
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 orbiting ramp assembly provides flexible angle selection, easy deployment, and quick stowage, reducing setup time and wear, while maintaining low friction and robustness for prolonged use.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing low-friction bearing wheels
Implementation Method 2
vertical sliding surfaces, allowing easy deployment and stowage
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp assembly for unloading goods from an elevated platform that includes a platform and a ramp that can be rotated or orbited around a perimeter of a platform without rotating the platform. The ramp assembly uses an orbiting assembly that includes a rail and a rider in order to permit easy placement of a lower end of a ramp relative to the platform.