Parallelogram Access System for Armored Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access systems for vehicles, particularly elevated and armored ones, are not efficiently deployable in emergency situations and often require significant modifications to the vehicle chassis, making them incompatible with certain types of vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A deployable access system featuring a door hinged with a horizontal axis and an articulated step, connected by drive elements forming a deformable parallelogram, allowing for efficient deployment and integration with armored vehicles, with automated control options and concealed running boards for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a pivoting gangway with hinge is used to fold the ramp for storage, then the storage space is reduced and storage is facilitated, but the deployment time increases and emergency access is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The access system transitions from a static folded structure to a dynamic deployable structure. The door and step assembly can rapidly transition between closed and open positions through automated actuation, eliminating the time-consuming manual folding operations of traditional hinge-based ramps while maintaining compact storage when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual hinge-based folding mechanism is replaced with an automated actuation system. Motors or hydraulic actuators drive the door and step assembly into position, substituting complex mechanical folding operations with automated positional control that achieves both compact storage and rapid deployment.
2Device complexity
If manual deployment mechanisms are used, then the system is simpler, but the deployment speed is insufficient for emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical deployment operations are replaced with automated actuation systems. Electric motors or hydraulic actuators provide powered movement of the door and step assembly, achieving rapid deployment speeds suitable for emergencies while maintaining reasonable system complexity through standardized actuator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The access system becomes self-deploying through automated actuators that automatically position the door and step assembly without requiring manual intervention. The system activates itself in response to emergency conditions, achieving rapid deployment while the actuators integrate seamlessly into the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If significant modifications to the vehicle chassis are made, then the access system can be integrated, but compatibility with certain vehicle types such as armored vehicles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The access system is segmented into modular components (door assembly, step assembly, actuation system) that can be independently configured and installed. This modularity allows the system to be adapted to different vehicle types including armored vehicles without requiring extensive chassis modifications, as each module can be mounted on existing vehicle structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The access system design incorporates universal mounting interfaces and standardized components that can be installed on various vehicle platforms. The door and step assembly can serve multiple functions (access, protection, sealing) across different vehicle types including armored vehicles, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific customization while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Data Source
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AI summary
The access system has a hinge pin that is offset with respect to the primary articulated joint (14). The step plate being linked to the door by one drive component that is connected to the door by a third articulated joint (16) and to the step plate by a fourth articulated joint (17). The pins of first, second, third and fourth articulated joints are parallel to one another and arranged so as to form the four summits of a parallelogram deformable between an open position and a closed position of the door.