Protected Spring-Assist Trailer Ramp Hinge for Damage Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment trailer ramps with spring assists are prone to damage when exposed, as the springs and pivot members can be bent or torn off, leading to ineffective ramp movement.
Innovation Solution
The spring assist mechanism is integrated within the ramp and ramp support, protected by a bumper and cover, preventing exposure and potential damage during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring assists are provided on exposed pivot members to exert lifting force on the ramp, then the ramp can be easily moved between positions, but the exposed springs and pivot members can be damaged (bent or torn off) and not work correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assist mechanism is nested within the ramp structure itself. The springs are positioned inside the ramp's hollow body or structural cavity, with the coil springs engaging internal features of the ramp and pivot bar. This nesting protects the springs from external damage while maintaining their lifting function during ramp deployment and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protective structural elements as intermediaries between the spring assist mechanism and the external environment. These include protective caps, covers, or structural features of the ramp body that shield the springs and pivot members from direct exposure to impacts and environmental factors, preventing damage while allowing the mechanism to function.
2Force
If spring assists are mounted on exposed pivot members, then lifting force can be applied to move the ramp, but the exposed components are susceptible to damage from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assist components are nested within the protected interior space of the ramp structure. The coil springs are positioned inside the ramp's hollow body or structural cavity, engaging with internal features of the pivot bar and ramp body. This nesting arrangement maintains the lifting force functionality while shielding the springs from external impacts, vehicle backups, and environmental damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp's structural design provides beforehand cushioning and protection for the spring assist mechanism. Protective caps, covers, or the ramp's own structural features act as a first line of defense, absorbing or deflecting external forces before they can reach and damage the springs and pivot members.
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
This design enhances the durability and reliability of the ramp system by shielding the springs and pivot mounts, reducing the likelihood of damage and ensuring smooth operation between stowed and deployed positions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one primary coil spring on the primary pivot bar configured to act on the ramp support and one of the hinge plates, a secondary coil spring on the secondary pivot bar configured to act on the at least one ramp and one of the hinge plates
Data Source
AI summary
A spring-assisted trailer loading ramp for an equipment trailer includes a ramp support and at least one ramp rotatably mounted to an end of the ramp support by a spring assist assembly. The spring assist assembly includes: a plurality of pivot tabs mounted to the end of the ramp support, a primary pivot bar received by holes in the plurality of pivot tabs and by first holes in a plurality of hinge plates, at least one primary coil spring on the primary pivot bar configured to act on the ramp support and one of the hinge plates, a secondary pivot bar received by second holes in the plurality of hinge plates and mounted to the at least one ramp, and at least one secondary coil spring on the secondary pivot bar configured to act on the at least one ramp and one of the hinge plates.