Rotatable Platform With Extendable Ramp For Vehicle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face challenges in efficiently transporting and managing secondary vehicles, such as personnel vehicles or loading/unloading vehicles, especially in remote locations, which can be time-consuming and costly, and require innovative solutions for efficient loading and unloading mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a rotatable platform with an extendable ramp, coupled to a vehicle's chassis via a turntable, allows for the loading and unloading of secondary vehicles by rotating the platform to different positions, enabling the secure transportation of secondary vehicles across varying terrains and locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a second vehicle is transported by hiring an individual driver, then the second vehicle can be delivered to the desired location, but the process becomes time-consuming and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The first vehicle is designed with dual functionality: it can transport cargo/passengers during its primary route, and simultaneously serve as a mobile platform for transporting second vehicles to various locations along its path. The vehicle system transforms from a single-purpose transport system to a multi-purpose system that includes vehicle delivery capability, eliminating the need for separate hiring arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform with ramp assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first vehicle and second vehicles. This intermediary structure enables the first vehicle to load, transport, and unload second vehicles efficiently, serving as a bridge that connects the primary vehicle system with auxiliary vehicle delivery needs without requiring external services.
2Ease of operation
If a second vehicle is transported by hiring an individual driver, then the second vehicle can be delivered to the desired location, but the process becomes cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The first vehicle is designed with dual functionality: it can transport cargo/passengers during its primary route, and simultaneously serve as a mobile platform for transporting second vehicles to various locations along its path. The vehicle system transforms from a single-purpose transport system to a multi-purpose system that includes vehicle delivery capability, eliminating the need for separate hiring arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle delivery function is merged with the primary transport function. By combining these two previously separate operations into a single integrated system, the patent eliminates redundant costs associated with hiring external drivers, as the same vehicle and operator perform both primary transport and vehicle delivery tasks.
3Ease of operation
If the ramp is extended to allow second vehicle loading, then the second vehicle can be loaded onto the platform, but the ramp occupies space and may interfere with vehicle movement when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is designed as a dynamic component that can extend and retract based on operational needs. During loading operations, the ramp extends to provide vehicle access; during transport, it retracts to minimize space occupation and avoid interference. This dynamic behavior allows the ramp to adapt its physical configuration to different operational states, optimizing both loading capability and space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp is divided into multiple sections that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the ramp to be collapsed into a compact form during transport while still providing full extension capability during loading operations, effectively reducing the space occupied when not in use while maintaining full functionality when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the platform rotates to different positions, then the second vehicle can be received and transported to various locations, but the rotation mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The turntable mechanism provides the platform with the ability to orient itself in multiple directions, enabling the system to serve multiple loading positions and transport various second vehicles to different locations along the route. This single rotational mechanism replaces what would otherwise require multiple fixed-position platforms, achieving versatility through a unified multi-functional component.
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
This solution facilitates efficient loading and unloading of secondary vehicles, ensuring their availability at desired locations, reducing operational costs and time, while ensuring safety through multiple locking mechanisms and hydraulic actuation systems.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic actuation systems
Implementation Method 2
The platform may be configured to rotate from a first platform position to a second platform position to receive the second vehicle
Implementation Method 3
multiple locking mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided that may include a platform that may be coupled with a vehicle. The platform may rotate from a first platform position to a second platform position relative to a chassis of the vehicle. The assembly may include an extendable ramp coupled to the platform and configured to extend relative to the platform from a first ramp position to a second ramp position. This ramp may be positioned in the second platform position to allow a second vehicle to be driven up the ramp and onto the first vehicle, with the ramp then moved to the first platform position to allow the first vehicle to carry the second vehicle to another location. The ramp can be moved to the first platform position to the second platform position to allow the second vehicle to disembark from the first vehicle and travel separately from the first vehicle.