Sliding Door Ramp Assembly for Space-Saving Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door ramp systems for vehicles, such as underfloor insertion-type and separate type systems, face challenges in spatial utilization and convenience, with the underfloor system occupying excessive space and the separate system requiring user installation and storage issues.
Innovation Solution
A door ramp structure is designed to be detachably installed on sliding vehicle doors, featuring a ramp assembly with a ramp panel, mover, and lead screw that selectively operates to maximize spatial utilization and reduce weight, allowing for easy deployment and stowage, and can be used or not used based on the occupant's needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an underfloor insertion-type ramp system is used, then the ramp can be provided for disabled persons, but excessive space at the lower end of the vehicle body is required
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system transitions from occupying horizontal space under the floor to utilizing vertical space by folding upward. The ramp panel pivots at its lower end to rotate between a horizontal stowed position and a vertical deployed position, effectively changing the spatial dimension from 2D floor area to 3D vertical clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp system employs dynamic movement through pivotal connections at both the upper end (to the vehicle floor) and lower end (allowing rotation). This enables the ramp to transition between stowed and deployed states, converting a static space-consuming structure into a dynamic, space-efficient mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate type ramp system is used, then the ramp can be provided for disabled persons, but it requires user installation and storage in trunk space
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system is merged with the door assembly, combining two previously separate functions (door operation and ramp deployment) into a single integrated structure. The ramp panel is attached to the door, and both are controlled by the same actuator, eliminating the need for separate installation and storage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates automatically through the lead screw mechanism that converts the actuator's linear motion into rotational movement of the ramp panel. Once activated, the mechanism self-regulates the ramp's deployment and stowage without requiring user intervention for installation or manual handling for storage.
3Volume of stationary object
If a detachable ramp assembly is used, then spatial utilization is maximized and weight is reduced, but the complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lead screw acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the simple linear motion of the actuator into the complex rotational and folding movements required for ramp deployment. This intermediary converts a simple input into a multi-stage mechanical sequence, reducing the apparent complexity at the control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp assembly is segmented into distinct functional components (ramp panel, movers, lead screw, actuator) that can independently move and fold. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple movements, while the overall system achieves complex space-saving deployment through coordinated action of these simple segments.
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 solution enhances spatial efficiency, reduces weight and costs, and improves usability by providing a convenient ramp system that automatically deploys for disabled persons while maintaining compactness when not needed, ensuring easy entry and exit for all occupants.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw coupled to the mover and provided to rotate the mover by rotating
Implementation Method 2
a mover configured to be selectively coupled to or decoupled from a lower end of the ramp panel and to rotate to turn the ramp panel
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment door ramp structure includes a ramp assembly disposed inside a sliding door configured to open or close a door opening portion in a vehicle body of a vehicle, wherein the ramp assembly is configured to selectively operate in connection with an operation of the sliding door, and wherein the ramp assembly includes a ramp panel configured to operate to be coupled and fixed to or decoupled from an inner surface of the sliding door, a mover configured to be selectively coupled to or decoupled from a lower end of the ramp panel and to rotate to turn the ramp panel in a state in which the mover is coupled to the lower end of the ramp panel, and a lead screw coupled to the mover and configured to rotate the mover by rotating.