Retractable Ramp Lifting Lever Mechanism for Obstacle Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable ramps for vehicles with reduced mobility or wheeled carts face challenges in aesthetics and discreet integration, particularly in historic sites, as they protrude and create additional obstacles due to the need for additional floor covering, which complicates their deployment and storage.
Innovation Solution
A retractable ramp system with a stationary frame and a deployable ramp that uses a lifting lever mechanism, allowing the ramp to be extracted horizontally and raised vertically, minimizing the height difference and integrating seamlessly with the surrounding floor, utilizing a foot pivotally mounted on the ramp and an elastic return member for efficient deployment and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the retractable ramp is deployed to maximum extension at the level of the upper surface of the frame, then the ramp provides sufficient length for vehicle crossing, but it creates a projection that constitutes an additional obstacle and worsens aesthetic integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning the ramp from a purely horizontal deployment to a combined horizontal and vertical deployment. The ramp is raised vertically at its upper end using a lifting mechanism, changing its spatial orientation from flat to inclined, thereby reducing the horizontal projection while maintaining functional length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the ramp configuration adjustable and movable. The ramp can be deployed horizontally and then vertically raised to a predetermined angle, transforming from a static horizontal structure to a dynamic adjustable structure that adapts its position to minimize obstruction while preserving aesthetic integration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the ramp is raised vertically at the upper end, then aesthetic integration is improved by minimizing projection, but the structural complexity increases due to the lifting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the ramp's own weight and the mechanical advantage of the lifting lever mechanism to raise the ramp vertically. The system uses the ramp structure itself as part of the lifting mechanism, where the ramp acts as a lever arm, eliminating the need for external motors or complex power systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lifting lever as an intermediary mechanical element that mediates between the horizontal deployment motion and the vertical raising motion. This simple lever mechanism translates the extraction movement into vertical elevation, adding minimal complexity while achieving the desired aesthetic integration.
3Device complexity
If a single horizontal extraction movement is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ramp cannot be raised to match the floor level, creating an obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functions into a single integrated mechanism: the horizontal extraction motion and the vertical lifting motion are combined through the lifting lever system. The same extraction movement that deploys the ramp horizontally also activates the lifting action, consolidating multiple functions into one coordinated mechanism rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the lifting lever mechanism to serve dual purposes: it acts as both a structural support element for the ramp and as the lifting mechanism itself. The lever provides both mechanical support during deployment and the vertical raising function, eliminating the need for separate components.
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 enables smooth and discreet deployment of the ramp, raising the upper end to match the floor level, reducing the obstacle height and ensuring stable support for vehicles, while maintaining a compact storage solution, thus addressing the aesthetic and practical issues of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
said foot being pivotally mounted against at least one elastic return member, of the spiral spring type, tending to bring it back into the folded position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~5a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for helping a wheeled vehicle to negotiate an obstacle, characterized in that it comprises a stationary frame (10) and at least one deployable ramp (2), said ramp having a bottom end intended to come into contact with the ground (3) and an opposite top end mechanically connected to at least one ramp lifting lever that lifts the top end of said ramp over an end-of- extraction-travel portion, said lifting lever being in the form of a foot mounted so as to pivot on the ramp between an inactive flapped-down position and an end position in which said foot at least partially supports the weight of the top end of said ramp, said foot having a lifting function over a travel portion adjacent to the end position and being kept in contact with the ground.