Reduced Height Ramp with Adjustable Stake Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load levelers and ramps for open semi-trailers face challenges due to varying stake pocket distances between manufacturers, leading to compatibility issues, and the stacking of ramps results in the bottom of the lower ramp extending beyond the trailer's I-beam, causing damage from road protrusions.
Innovation Solution
A reduced height combination ramp and load leveler with adjustable stake receivers and 6082 T6 aluminum construction, allowing for a single length to fit different trailer widths and enabling two ramps to be stacked without the lower ramp extending past the trailer's I-beam, featuring adjustable stakes and a ramp stand with height-adjustable tube extensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a standard height ramp is used, then the ramp provides sufficient structural strength, but the bottom of the lower ramp extends beyond the I-beam when two ramps are stacked, causing damage from road protrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the height parameter of the ramp from standard height to reduced height (5.25 inches or less), allowing two ramps to be stacked without the bottom extending beyond the I-beam, thereby preventing damage from road protrusions while maintaining structural strength through optimized material selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses 6082 T6 aluminum alloy, which provides greater strength than typical aluminum alloys, enabling the ramp height to be reduced while maintaining sufficient structural strength to support loads and resist deformation
2Reliability
If a load leveler is designed with a fixed distance between stake pockets, then it works for one manufacturer of semi-trailers, but it cannot work for other manufacturers with different stake pocket distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the stake pockets adjustable along the length of the ramp, allowing the distance between stake pockets to be changed to accommodate different trailer manufacturers' specifications, thereby providing both reliability for the specific application and adaptability to various configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the ramp to serve multiple functions: it can be used as a loading ramp, stacked for storage, and configured with adjustable stake pockets to work with different trailer manufacturers, making it a universal solution for various semi-trailer applications
Data Source
AI summary
A reduced height combination ramp and load leveler includes at least two lengthwise support members, a plurality of cross members and plurality of cross treads. A retention tube is secured to each end of the at least two lengthwise support members. The at least two lengthwise support members and the plurality of cross members are preferably fabricated from an aluminum alloy having a tensile strength of at least 50,000 to reduce a height of the combination ramp and load leveler. Two stake receivers allow a single ramp to be used as a load leveler. Each stake receiver is sized to removably receive an adjustable stake. A ramp stand includes a support base and an adjustable tube receiver that is vertically positionable relative to the support base. The adjustable tube receiver retains the retention tubes.