Regenerative Braking for Vehicle Ramp Descent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle access ramp systems lack efficient control over the rate of descent and ascent, particularly during manual operation, leading to potential free fall and increased energy requirements when transitioning between stowed and deployed positions.
Innovation Solution
A regenerative braking system utilizing a motor with shunted and non-shunted modes, controlled by electromechanical switches that detect the ramp's position and direction, to manage the rate of descent and ascent, allowing for controlled movement without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor is used to move the ramp between deployed and stowed positions, then the ramp can be powered to move, but the system requires additional energy and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The motor serves dual functions: driving the ramp during powered operation and providing regenerative braking during uncontrolled descent. The motor recovers energy during downward movement by generating electrical current when the ramp descends, converting mechanical energy back to electrical energy, thus the system serves itself by using the same component for both propulsion and energy recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers energy that would otherwise be lost during uncontrolled descent. When the ramp moves downward under gravity, the motor acts as a generator to capture the gravitational potential energy and convert it to electrical energy, preventing energy waste and potentially storing it for later use
2Ease of operation
If the ramp is allowed to move freely between positions, then manual operation is easier, but the ramp may free fall causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The motor acts as an intermediary between the ramp and the user during manual operation. When the ramp descends under gravity, the motor provides regenerative braking that mediates the uncontrolled motion, converting the gravitational force into useful electrical energy while controlling the descent rate, thus preventing free fall without requiring active user intervention
3Reliability
If a damping mechanism is added to prevent free fall, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor performs multiple functions: it drives the ramp during powered operation, provides regenerative braking during uncontrolled descent, and enables energy recovery. By making the motor multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate damping mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining controlled descent capability
4Loss of energy
If regenerative braking is implemented to control descent rate, then energy recovery is possible, but the motor control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from detecting the ramp's position and direction of movement to automatically control the motor's operating mode. When the ramp is moving downward, the system detects this and automatically engages regenerative braking mode, creating a closed-loop control system that manages energy recovery without requiring complex manual intervention
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
The system effectively prevents free fall and optimizes energy use by generating torque opposite to the ramp's movement, ensuring safe and efficient transitions between positions, even in manual operation, without increasing the force needed to counteract gravity.
Implementation Method 1
The motor has a shunted mode and a non-shunted mode. The motor may generate torque opposite to the direction of movement of the ramp when in the shunted mode
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp assembly includes a ramp movable between a deployed position, a stowed position, and an intermediate position and a drive mechanism comprising a motor configured to move the ramp between the deployed position and the stowed position. The motor has a shunted mode and a non-shunted mode. The assembly further includes a first detecting arrangement configured to detect a position of the ramp and a second detecting arrangement configured to detect a direction of movement of the ramp, with the motor being placed in one of the shunted mode and the non-shunted mode based on the position and the direction of movement of the ramp.