Reversible Ramp Geometry for Trailers and Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramps for loading and unloading cargo from vehicles or trailers often require complex mechanisms for storage, which can add weight, increase the risk of failure, and reduce weight capacity. Additionally, integrated ramps may lack portability or be tailored to specific uses, making them ineffective for other tasks. Furthermore, ramps designed for trailers with 'C' channels may not function properly on vehicles without such channels, leading to disconnection issues during use.
Innovation Solution
A reversible ramp with a hook end and a lip end, both affixed to an elongate rigid structure, allowing it to be used with both trailers and vehicles without 'C' channels. The ramp features a receiving channel portion on each end, with textured surfaces for grip and traction, and a unique angle configuration to accommodate different heights and surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ramp is designed with a complex folding and collapsing mechanism for storage, then the ramp can be stored when not in use, but the mechanism adds weight, increases the possibility of failure, and reduces weight capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex folding and collapsing mechanisms from the ramp design, extracting only the essential function of cargo loading and unloading. This eliminates the sources of failure while maintaining the core utility of the ramp through a simple, robust structure that remains stable during use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a ramp that folds and collapses for storage, the patent inverts the approach by creating a ramp that is permanently integrated into the vehicle structure. The integration is reversed from removable to fixed, eliminating the need for complex storage mechanisms while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If a ramp is integrated into a vehicle or trailer, then the ramp is stable during use, but the ramp lacks portability or can be tailored to a specific use only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the vehicle with a universal C-channel structure that can accommodate ramps of different types and configurations. The integrated C-channel serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling ramp attachment, and allowing for different ramp designs to be used with the same vehicle platform, thus maintaining both stability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The C-channel acts as an intermediary element between the vehicle structure and the ramp. This mediator provides a standardized interface that ensures stable ramp attachment while allowing the ramp itself to be removable or replaceable, thus maintaining portability and adaptability.
3Reliability
If a ramp is designed to fit into a C-channel on a trailer, then the ramp is securely attached to the trailer, but the ramp cannot be used on vehicles without a C-channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal C-channel attachment system that can be installed on various vehicle types including trailers, pickup trucks, and other vehicles. The C-channel design serves as a universal interface that maintains secure attachment across different vehicle platforms, thus improving both attachment security and vehicle compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The C-channel is pre-installed on the vehicle as a preliminary action, creating a standardized attachment point before the ramp is needed. This preliminary installation ensures that the ramp can be securely attached to any vehicle equipped with the C-channel, regardless of the specific vehicle type, thus improving both security and compatibility.
4Device complexity
If one end of the ramp is designed to rest on the ground, then the ramp is simple in structure, but the end may be damaged during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective features at the ground-contacting end of the ramp, such as reinforced edges, protective caps, or cushioning materials, that are installed beforehand to prevent damage during use. This beforehand protection maintains the simple overall structure while preventing harmful damage to the ramp end.
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible ramp adapted for use with a trailer or truck that has an elongate rigid structure with a hook on one end for a trailer and a lip on the opposite end for a truck. The lip has a curved portion that protrudes beyond the elongate rigid structure and terminates at an edge with a lip plane extending from the edge to a corner of the elongate rigid structure. The hook terminates at an edge with a hook plane extending from the edge to a corner on the other end of the elongate rigid structure. The hook plane is at a larger angle with respect to the elongate rigid structure compared to the lip plane. In use, the hook plane aligns with the ground when the lip end is on the truck. Likewise, the lip plane aligns with the ground when the hook end is on a trailer.