Vehicle Ramp Assembly Mounts for Flush Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fold-out ramps in vehicles face challenges such as requiring more torque for longer ramps, limited length due to space constraints, and installation issues related to the vehicle's recess and chassis, which affect operability and accessibility for wheelchair-bound passengers.
Innovation Solution
A method for installing a ramp assembly in a vehicle using inboard and outboard ramp support members, where mounts are affixed to the inboard support to maintain a vertical position and allow horizontal movement, and the outboard end is secured to the outboard support, ensuring the ramp's top surface is flush with the vehicle floor, facilitating easier deployment and stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ramp length is increased to provide a more gradual slope for wheelchair accessibility, then the accessibility is improved, but the weight and torque requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be deployed only when needed for wheelchair accessibility. The ramp can be moved between a stowed position (flush with vehicle floor) and a deployed position (extended for accessibility), reducing the effective weight that must be supported during vehicle operation while maintaining full accessibility when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp support system is divided into multiple components including the ramp assembly itself, support members, and mounting structures. This segmentation allows the ramp to be independently positioned and supported, enabling longer ramp lengths to be achieved without proportionally increasing the weight of the entire vehicle structure.
2Ease of operation
If the ramp length is increased to provide better accessibility, then the accessibility is improved, but the torque required to reciprocate the ramp increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly transitions from a static to a dynamic system with defined deployment and stowage positions. By establishing specific pivot points and support locations, the system reduces the torque required to move the ramp between positions, even when the ramp length is increased for better accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Support members are introduced as intermediary elements between the ramp assembly and the vehicle structure. These support members provide additional pivot points and force distribution, reducing the torque requirement on the primary mounting structure while enabling longer ramp lengths for improved wheelchair accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If the ramp is designed to fold out for deployment, then the accessibility is improved, but installation challenges arise due to vehicle recess and chassis constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly is pre-configured with mounting features and support member attachments that facilitate simplified installation. The design incorporates pre-positioned pivot points and attachment locations that align with standard vehicle floor structures, reducing installation complexity despite the fold-out deployment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp support members and mounting structures are designed to accommodate various vehicle floor configurations and chassis arrangements. The universal design allows the same ramp assembly to be installed in different vehicle types without requiring custom modifications, easing installation while maintaining fold-out deployment capability for accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary methods are provided for installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, an inboard and outboard ramp support members. In one embodiment, ramp assembly mounts, such as mounting blocks, are utilized for installing the ramp assembly into the vehicle.