Stowable Vehicle Ramp Nesting and Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle ramps do not offer an efficient and economical solution for easy loading access, as they lack automatic or manual extension and stowage options within or under the vehicle bed, such as trucks or pickup trucks.
Innovation Solution
A stowable ramp system that can be retrofitted onto existing vehicles, featuring a ramp assembly that can be inlayed or mounted underneath the bed, with manual or automatic extension and retraction capabilities, using a control assembly with a motor and tracking members for remote operation, and made from durable materials like aluminum, metal, or plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ramp is provided for vehicle loading, then loading access is improved, but the device occupies space in the vehicle bed
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is designed to nest within the vehicle bed structure when not in use. The ramp can be stored in a recessed compartment or folded against the bed walls, allowing it to occupy minimal space during normal vehicle operation while being readily accessible when needed for loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp transitions from a static space-consuming object to a dynamic structure that can be deployed and retracted as needed. This allows the vehicle bed to maintain full cargo capacity when the ramp is stowed, while providing easy loading access when the ramp is extended to the ground.
2Device complexity
If manual extension and retraction is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the ramp to be manually deployed in stages, reducing the force required compared to moving a single large mass, while maintaining structural integrity throughout the extension process.
Solution Approach 2:
Rollers or wheels are introduced as intermediary elements between the ramp and the ground/bed. These rollers reduce friction during extension and retraction, making manual operation significantly easier while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.
3Reliability
If the ramp is made sturdy to support heavy loads, then reliability is improved, but weight of the object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp incorporates composite material construction, combining materials with high strength-to-weight ratios. This allows the ramp to maintain the structural integrity needed for heavy load support while minimizing its own weight, making it easier to deploy and retract manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp uses a telescoping design where multiple sections extend and retract. When fully extended, the distributed structure provides adequate support for heavy loads. When retracted, the overall weight and space occupation are minimized, creating a dynamic solution that adapts to different operational states.
4Ease of operation
If automatic extension and retraction is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp incorporates self-contained mechanical systems such as springs, gravity-assisted rollback mechanisms, or motorized reels that automatically extend or retract the ramp based on simple user input. This provides near-automatic operation while avoiding the need for complex control systems, sensors, or power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex electronic control systems are replaced with simpler mechanical automation mechanisms. For example, a spring-loaded system or gravity-based rollback mechanism provides automatic retraction without requiring motors, circuits, or electronic controls, thereby improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a stowable vehicle ramp including a vehicle assembly, a ramp assembly and a control assembly is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a ramp that is automatically or manually extended out, and either stowed under or inlayed in the bed of a vehicle of the vehicle assembly such as a truck or pickup truck. It is possible to retrofit the ramp onto existing vehicles such as pickups or trucks. The stowable ramp aids in providing easy loading access to the bed of the vehicle for smaller vehicles needing transportation.