Profiled Ramp Finger Structure for Safer Loading Platform Drive-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive-on aids and loading platforms for semi-trailers are inflexible, unsafe, and increase the dimensions of devices, failing to provide adequate safety and efficiency during loading and driving operations.
Innovation Solution
A drive-on aid featuring elongated, rotatably mounted drive-on fingers with profiled tops and securing elements on the undersides, designed to adapt to different wheel sizes and prevent slipping, which can be modularly replaced for cost-effectiveness and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid loading ramps are used, then structural strength is ensured, but adaptability to different wheel sizes and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The loading ramp is divided into multiple individual fingers that can move independently. Each finger acts as a separate structural element, allowing the system to adapt to different wheel sizes while maintaining overall structural integrity through the collective arrangement of all fingers
Solution Approach 2:
The fingers are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and angle in response to different wheel sizes and loading conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables versatility while the material selection maintains structural strength
2Ease of operation
If smooth surface loading ramps are used, then ease of driving onto the platform is improved, but grip and anti-slip performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The surface of each finger is given a localized profiled structure with elevations and grooves. This creates different surface qualities at different locations - the profiled areas provide grip and anti-slip performance, while the overall gradual incline of the finger structure maintains ease of driving onto the platform
3Ease of repair
If modular collision fingers are used, then ease of replacement and cost-effectiveness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collision protection system is segmented into individual replaceable fingers mounted on a common bearing element. This allows individual fingers to be easily replaced without affecting the entire system, improving ease of repair while the standardized mounting mechanism keeps the added complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing element serves as a universal mounting mechanism for multiple fingers. This standardized interface allows different fingers to be mounted and replaced on the same bearing element, simplifying the replacement process despite the modular complexity
4Reliability
If access elements are added to loading platforms, then safety and functionality are improved, but device dimensions and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collision fingers are arranged in a横向 (lateral) array perpendicular to the direction of vehicle approach. This uses the lateral dimension rather than extending the length of the platform, providing safety functionality without significantly increasing the primary dimensions of the loading platform
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 solution provides increased flexibility and safety by adapting to various wheel sizes, preventing slipping, and allowing for efficient modular replacement, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of loading and driving operations while maintaining device stability.
Implementation Method 1
The profiling particularly increases the grip of wheels when driving onto a collision, while the undersides of the collision fingers, which are subjected to pressure from the wheels, for example, prevent slipping
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 1d
AI summary
The invention relates to a ramp assist with a plurality of elongated ramp fingers, each having a top and a bottom surface, as well as a connecting section by which the ramp fingers are rotatably mounted on a bearing element. To provide a ramp assist that is flexible, safe, and cost-effective, the top surfaces of the ramp fingers are profiled.