Rubber Wheelchair Access Ramp With Embedded Slip-Resistant Grit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheelchair ramps lack a durable, slip-resistant surface that adheres well to the base layer and can be easily installed and moved, while also being environmentally friendly.
Innovation Solution
A wheelchair access ramp with a base layer made of rubber-polyurethane composite and an adhesive layer containing polyol and isocyanate, topped with granular grit material like quartz or garnet granules, which provides slip-resistance without a separate sealing layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional wheelchair ramp surface is used, then installation is simple, but the surface lacks durability and slip-resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining rubber granules (recycled material) with polyurethane adhesive to create a base layer, then embedding grit material (silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide, silicon carbide, or garnet) within the adhesive layer. This multi-material composite structure provides both durability through the embedded abrasive grit and slip-resistance through the exposed granular surface, while maintaining ease of installation as a pre-mixed applicable coating system.
2Reliability
If multiple layers including sealing layer are used to achieve slip-resistance, then surface performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated layer. The adhesive layer containing polyol and activating agent serves dual purposes: it bonds the grit material to the base layer while simultaneously providing the slip-resistant surface when grit is exposed. This eliminates the need for separate sealing layers or additional coating steps, reducing device complexity from multiple sequential layers to a single multi-functional adhesive layer with embedded grit.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If recycled rubber material is used in base layer, then environmental friendliness improves, but adherence strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite base layer combining recycled rubber granules with polyurethane adhesive. The rubber granules provide environmental sustainability and cushioning properties, while the polyurethane adhesive component ensures strong bonding strength. The composite structure allows the adhesive to bind rubber particles together and to the substrate, maintaining both ecological benefits and mechanical strength requirements for wheelchair ramp applications.
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 ramp achieves robust adherence, slip-resistance, and ease of installation/movement, while being constructed from recycled materials, meeting regulatory standards and reducing delamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer applied to the base layer, said adhesive layer includes a polyol and activating agent mixture, said adhesive layer being effective in promoting adherence to the base layer
Implementation Method 2
a grit material residing at least partly within an exposed surface of the adhesive layer to provide a slip-resistant surface
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to a wheelchair access ramp for wheelchair and more generally pedestrian traffic. The wheelchair access ramp generally includes a base layer adapted for placement of the access ramp, an adhesive layer applied to the base layer, the adhesive layer 16 includes a polyol and activating agent mixture, the adhesive layer being effective in adhering to base layer 12, a grit material residing at least partly within an exposed surface of the adhesive layer to provide a slip-resistant surface.