Collapsible Loading Ramp with Tensioned Cable and Self-Braking Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading and unloading systems for non-wheeled cargo, such as personal watercraft, are bulky, require permanent attachment to vehicles, and are impractical for use on lifted trucks with modified suspensions due to steep slope angles, necessitating excessive energy for movement and lacking adaptability and safety features like self-braking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, collapsible apparatus with a tensioned metal wire cable for rigidity, a self-braking wheel system, and extended length to reduce slope angles, allowing single-person operation and safe cargo handling on lifted trucks, eliminating the need for trailers and achieving compact stowability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a traditional loading ramp is used, then cargo can be loaded into the truck bed, but the slope angle is too steep requiring excessive energy for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp incorporates a telescopic mechanism that allows the ramp length to be dynamically adjusted. When extended, the ramp provides a gentler slope angle that reduces the energy required to move cargo. When retracted, the ramp fits into a compact storage position within the truck bed. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the ramp to be long during operation (reducing energy requirements) while being compact during storage.
2Strength
If a bulky loading ramp design is used, then structural strength is sufficient, but portability and stow ability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can slide relative to each other. Each section maintains sufficient structural strength while the overall structure can be compressed into a compact form for storage. The segmentation allows the ramp to achieve both strength (when extended for use) and compact storage volume (when retracted), resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic sections of the ramp are nested within each other when not in use, similar to nested dolls. The inner sections slide into the outer sections, creating a compact storage configuration that minimizes volume while maintaining structural integrity. When deployed, the sections extend outward to provide the necessary ramp length and strength.
3Reliability
If permanent attachment hardware is used, then the ramp is stable during use, but portability between vehicles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp uses a dynamic attachment system with adjustable positioning mechanisms that can adapt to different vehicle types and bed configurations. Rather than permanent fixed attachments, the ramp can be positioned and secured at various locations along the truck bed, providing stability for each specific vehicle while maintaining versatility across different vehicle models.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a short ramp design is used, then storage space is minimized, but the ramp cannot be used on lifted trucks with modified suspensions
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic mechanism allows the ramp length to be dynamically extended to accommodate the higher bed position of lifted trucks. When needed for use on lifted vehicles, the ramp sections extend to provide the additional length required for the steeper approach. When not in use, the ramp retracts to a compact size that fits within the available storage space, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and storage volume.
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 apparatus enables safe, efficient loading and unloading of non-wheeled cargo on lifted trucks with reduced energy requirements, enhanced portability, and compact stowability, addressing the limitations of prior art by providing a stronger, lighter design that spans greater distances and occupies minimal storage space.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus is constructed from commonly available materials and components for economical manufacture... using light weight materials that are tensioned into rigidity by a taut metal wire cable
Implementation Method 2
Another important object of this apparatus is the design of a self braking wheel system that slows the inertia of the cargo on a downward slope
Data Source
AI summary
A portable ramp for non-wheeled cargo such as, but not limited to, a personal watercraft, designed to assist the movement of cargo in and out of a truck or trailer bed. The invention is both light weight and collapsible for easy portability and stow ability. The invention consists of a composition of parts that facilitate quick assembly and disassembly. A plurality of square hollow tube rails, a plurality of center masts, a connection sleeve and a plurality self-braking wheels assist in the conveyance of cargo uphill with free spinning wheels and slow the cargo's movement downhill by engaging the wheels into a friction pad. The invention uses a wire cable that runs along the bottom of the said rails to strengthen the assembled ramp. This wire cable has adjustable tension and is engaged by extending the center mast downward creating a triangle shape.