Pivoting Ramp Truck Bed Extender for ATV Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional truck bed extenders require separate ramps to be loaded and unloaded, which is inconvenient and time-consuming for hauling lengthy objects like ATVs or golf carts, and they need to be removed during driving, whereas there is a need for a solution that automatically pivots and remains attached for easy loading, unloading, and transportation without additional driving skills or costs.

Innovation Solution

A truck bed extender and ramp assembly that mounts to the hitch receiver, featuring pivotable ramps that automatically adjust between loading/unloading and transport positions using the weight of the ATV or golf cart, with telescoping sections for compact transport and integrated brake lights, allowing for easy mounting and dismounting without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate ramps are used for loading and unloading, then the loading and unloading function is achieved, but the ramps need to be manually loaded and unloaded which is inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading and unloading convenienceVSAvoidtime for loading and unloading ramps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ramps with the extender platform into a single integrated assembly. The ramps are pivotally mounted to the extender platform, allowing them to be automatically positioned during loading/unloading operations without requiring separate manual handling. This merging eliminates the need to separately load and unload ramps, directly addressing the time loss and operational inconvenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ramps are designed to be pivotable between different positions (loaded and unloaded) rather than being fixed. This dynamic capability allows the ramps to automatically adjust their position based on the loading/unloading needs, enabling convenient operation without manual intervention while reducing the time required for these operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If ramps are permanently attached to the extender, then the structure is simplified, but the ramps cannot be removed when the truck is driven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveramp assembly structureVSAvoiddriving safety and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ramps are pivotally mounted to the extender platform, creating a dynamic connection rather than a permanent fixed attachment. This allows the ramps to remain attached during driving (simplifying the structure) while enabling them to be easily moved or positioned away from the driving path when needed, maintaining safety and operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The extender platform serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the ramps during loading/unloading operations and acts as a mounting base that remains attached during driving. The pivotal connection allows the same structure to fulfill both the simplified attachment requirement and the driving safety requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the extender is used to haul elongated objects, then the hauling capacity is improved, but additional driving skills and licensing requirements are needed with trailer use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehauling capabilityVSAvoiddriving skill requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ramps and extender are merged into a single integrated unit that mounts directly to the truck bed, eliminating the need for a separate trailer. This allows elongated objects to be hauled using the truck's existing driving capabilities without requiring additional trailer licensing or specialized driving skills, while maintaining the enhanced hauling capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If conventional extenders require manual ramp handling, then the ramps can be secured, but the process is time-consuming and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveramp securingVSAvoidmanual ramp handling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ramps are designed with pivotal mounting that allows automatic positioning during loading/unloading operations. This dynamic design eliminates the need for manual securing and handling, reducing the time required while maintaining reliable ramp positioning through the inherent mechanical constraints of the pivotal connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9745153B2Truck bed extender with pivoting ramps

Publication Date: 2017.08.29 MAD RAMPS INC

AI summary

A truck bed extender and ramp assembly mounts to the hitch receiver of a pickup truck to allow four-wheeled vehicles to be driven into and out of the truck bed, with the rear wheels of the vehicle being supported by a crossbar spaced rearwardly from the open tailgate of the truck. The assembly includes ramps pivotally mounted to the crossbar for movement between a lowered use position for loading and unloading the vehicle and a raised transport position. The ramps automatically pivot on the crossbar when the rear wheels of the vehicle pass over the crossbar. The ramps include telescoping sections to adjust the length of the ramps.