Ramp Kerb With Vertically Spaced Channels For Cost Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing ramp structures are costly and time-consuming to manufacture due to complex attachment elements and assembly processes, which increase production costs.

Innovation Solution

The ramp structure features ramp kerbs with vertically spaced longitudinally extending channels for easy attachment of the ramp surface and lip extension, allowing for a simple manufacturing process like extrusion and fast assembly, reducing production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional attachment elements (horizontal and vertical channels with multiple attachment points) are used for ramp lip extension, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the attachment functions for both the ramp surface and lip extension into a single integrated channel structure on the ramp kerb. The channel receives both components simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms and reducing manufacturing steps while maintaining secure attachment of both elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The channel on the ramp kerb serves multiple functions: it attaches the ramp surface, attaches the lip extension, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall attachment system while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate attachment elements are manufactured and assembled, then secure connection is achieved, but production time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple attachment operations into a single assembly step where both the ramp surface and lip extension are attached to the kerb simultaneously through the integrated channel structure, dramatically reducing assembly time and improving productivity while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The channel is pre-formed as an integral part of the ramp kerb during kerb manufacturing, so that when assembly occurs, no additional preparation or complex alignment is needed - both components can be attached directly in a single operation, speeding up production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex multi-step manufacturing processes are used for ramp kerbs, then attachment functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple attachment functionalities into a single channel structure that is formed as part of the ramp kerb itself, eliminating the need for separate attachment components and complex assembly processes, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining full attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp kerb with its integrated channel serves as a universal attachment structure that can securely hold both the ramp surface and lip extension, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized components and manufacturing steps, thus simplifying production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3539520B1Ramp structure
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 ENABLE ACCESS HLDG LTD
  • EP3539520B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3539520B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3539520B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a ramp kerb for supporting a transverse edge of a ramp surface and a ramp lip extension having an attachment portion. The ramp kerb comprises a first longitudinally extending channel open at an inner transverse edge of the ramp kerb for receiving a transverse edge of the ramp surface and a second longitudinally extending channel open at the inner transverse edge of the ramp kerb for receiving an attachment portion of the ramp lip extension. The first and second longitudinally extending channels are vertically spaced.