Vehicle Ramp Assembly Installation with Adjustable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fold-out ramps for vehicles face challenges such as limited length due to space constraints, increased weight with longer ramps, and installation complexities, which affect accessibility and operability for wheelchair-bound passengers.
Innovation Solution
An attachment system and method for installing a ramp assembly in a vehicle, featuring adjustable support assemblies that maintain the inboard end of the ramp at a fixed elevation and secure the outboard end to an outboard support member, allowing for horizontal movement within the vehicle well and ensuring a flush top surface with the floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ramp length is increased to provide a more gradual slope for better 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. The support assembly enables the ramp to be reciprocated between deployed and stowed positions, reducing the effective weight that must be supported during vehicle operation while providing full ramp functionality when accessibility is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp system is divided into separate components: the ramp assembly itself and the support assembly. This segmentation allows the ramp to be independently positioned and supported, enabling longer ramp designs without proportionally increasing the weight burden on the vehicle structure, as the support assembly bears the load during deployment.
2Ease of operation
If the ramp length is increased to improve accessibility, then the slope becomes more gradual, but more torque is required to reciprocate the ramp between deployed and stowed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the ramp assembly and the vehicle floor. It provides a stable support point that reduces the torque required to reciprocate the ramp, as the support assembly absorbs much of the mechanical stress during deployment and retraction operations.
3Ease of operation
If the ramp is designed to be longer for better accessibility, then the slope is more gradual, but the space available in the vehicle limits the ramp length
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly is designed to be movable and storable within the vehicle's vestibule floor recess. When not in use, the ramp can be reciprocated into a compact stowed position that fits within the available vehicle space. When needed, it can be deployed to provide the longer, more gradual slope required for accessibility, thus resolving the conflict between ramp length and vehicle space constraints.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a recess or well is created in the vehicle floor to store the ramp, then the ramp can be stowed, but installation challenges arise that can result in operability problems
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is pre-configured with adjustable support members that can be positioned to match various vehicle floor configurations. This preliminary setup allows the support assembly to be adapted to different recess or well dimensions during installation, reducing installation complexity and preventing operability problems by ensuring proper alignment and fit before the ramp is fully installed.
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, and inboard and outboard ramp support members. In one embodiment, ramp assembly mounts, such as movable mounting blocks, are utilized for installing the ramp assembly into the vehicle.