Sliding Fold-Out Ramp Assembly for ADA-Compliant Vehicle Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fold out ramps for vehicles are limited by space constraints, resulting in steeper slopes that are difficult for wheelchair-bound passengers to navigate, and require significant actuation force due to their length and weight, making them ADA non-compliant and hard to operate manually.

Innovation Solution

A compact ramp assembly that stows within a small vehicle floor space, deploying to a length that reduces the ramp slope to a maximum 1:6 ratio, using a sliding ramp support and rotatable ramp portion with an intermediate panel for transition, and a drive assembly that minimizes actuation force through a motorized or manual operation system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the ramp length is increased to reduce the slope for better accessibility, then the ramp becomes heavier and requires more actuation force, but the vehicle floor space is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveramp slopeVSAvoidramp weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp is divided into multiple segments that can fold and extend relative to each other. This segmentation allows the ramp to achieve a longer deployed length for gentler slopes while maintaining a compact stowed configuration, reducing the weight that needs to be moved during deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp segments are nested within each other when stowed, with each segment containing or supporting the next. This nesting arrangement maximizes space efficiency in the vehicle floor while allowing the full ramp length to be deployed when needed, effectively reducing the ramp slope without proportionally increasing the stowed footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a longer ramp is used to achieve ADA-compliant slope, then the actuation force required increases, but manual operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveADA complianceVSAvoidactuation force

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp design incorporates counterbalancing mechanisms that offset the weight of the extended ramp structure. This counterbalancing reduces the net actuation force required to deploy and maneuver the ramp, making it feasible to achieve ADA-compliant slopes without requiring excessive force for operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp incorporates movable joints and articulation points that allow the structure to dynamically adjust its configuration during deployment and maneuvering. This dynamic capability enables the ramp to transition smoothly between stowed and deployed states while maintaining maneuverability despite the increased length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If the ramp is made compact for small vehicle floor space, then the ramp slope becomes steeper, but accessibility for wheelchair-bound passengers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle floor spaceVSAvoidramp slope

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp utilizes three-dimensional folding and articulation to achieve a long deployed length from a compact stowed configuration. By employing vertical and lateral dimension changes through folding mechanisms, the ramp can provide an extended gentle slope while occupying minimal floor space when not in use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 provides a compact fold out ramp that reduces the ramp slope to ADA-compliant levels, enhancing accessibility and safety for wheelchair-bound passengers while minimizing the actuation forces required for operation.

Implementation Method 1

A ramp support slides on the inner panel to reciprocate between a retracted position when the ramp assembly is in a stowed position and an extended position when the ramp assembly is in a deployed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

A ramp portion is rotatably coupled at a first end to a first end of the ramp support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS8438683B1Sliding fold out ramp

Publication Date: 2013.05.14 ELEVATOR U DIV OF HOGAN MFG

AI summary

A ramp assembly is suitable for use in a vehicle to provide a transition surface from the vehicle floor to an alighting surface. The ramp assembly includes an inner panel fixedly associated with the vehicle floor and ramp support slidingly associated with the inner panel. The ramp support is reciprocal between (1) a retracted position when the ramp assembly is in a stowed position and (2) an extended position when the ramp assembly is in a deployed position. A ramp portion is rotatably coupled at a first end to a first end of the ramp support. An intermediate panel is coupled to the ramp support and extends from the inner panel to the ramp portion when the ramp assembly is in the deployed position. When the ramp assembly is in the stowed position, the ramp portion extends inwardly from the first end of the ramp support.