Self-Adjusting Ramp Lip for Smooth Rolling Load Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramps require excessive force and instability when loading or unloading rolling objects due to a mismatched angle between the ramp and the loading surface, causing a rough transition that increases the effort needed to move objects onto or off the ramp.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting ramp design featuring a frame with pivotally attached transition plates that bias downward, providing a smooth, continuous surface for rolling loads by adjusting to the angle of the loading surface, thus reducing the transition surface and the required force for loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed top plate or hooks are used to attach the ramp to the loading surface, then the ramp can be securely attached, but the rolling load must transition over a mismatched angle surface requiring extra force and causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed top plate with a movable lip that can pivot and adjust its angle. The lip is attached to the top plate via a pivot axis, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different loading surface angles. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the angle mismatch problem while maintaining secure attachment, as the lip can conform to the loading surface geometry without requiring extra force for transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the angular parameter of the attachment component. The lip's angle relative to the ramp surface can change to match the loading surface angle, transforming the rigid fixed-angle structure into an adaptive variable-angle structure. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling both secure attachment and smooth transitions without extra loading effort.
2Reliability
If the ramp is designed to work up a specified maximum height to avoid overly steep angles, then safety is improved, but the ramp cannot adapt to varying loading heights without creating transition problems
Solution Approach 1:
The movable lip provides dynamic adaptability to varying loading heights while maintaining safety. As the loading height changes, the lip pivots to adjust its angle, continuously providing a smooth transition surface. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the ramp to adapt to different heights without creating overly steep angles or problematic transitions, simultaneously achieving safety and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lip structure serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment to the loading surface, creates a smooth transition surface for rolling loads, and adapts to various loading heights and angles. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by enabling the ramp to handle diverse loading conditions while maintaining safety standards through controlled angle adjustments.
3Device complexity
If fixed hooks or top plates are used on the ramp, then the structure remains simple, but the rolling load experiences a rough transition requiring excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simple pivoting mechanism that adds minimal complexity while dramatically improving transition smoothness. The lip's ability to pivot and adjust its angle provides a continuous, smooth surface for rolling loads without requiring complex mechanisms. This simple dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by eliminating rough transitions while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 self-adjusting ramp reduces the effort needed to load and unload objects by providing a smooth transition between the ramp and the loading surface, enhancing stability and ease of use across varying heights and angles.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member biasing the lip downward relative to the ramp surface
Implementation Method 2
a lip pivotally attached to the plate at a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is non-load bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp may include a frame having first and second end portions and at least one rung extending substantially between the frame and being positioned between the first and second end portions, the at least one rung forming at least a portion of a ramp surface. The ramp may further include a plate extending substantially between the frame and being positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second end portions, and a lip pivotally attached to the plate at a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is non-load bearing.