Stowable Trailer Ramp With Pivot Bar And Detent Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing utility trailers often lack flexible and secure ramp solutions, with permanently affixed ramps causing aerodynamic issues and storage constraints, while aftermarket ramps are prone to shifting, theft, and require additional modifications.

Innovation Solution

A loading ramp assembly with a pivot bar and clamps that can be securely attached to the cargo vehicle's floor, allowing adjustable span and stowage, and featuring a transition flap for smooth vehicle loading and theft-resistant design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanently affixed ramps are installed on utility trailers, then equipment loading capability is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases and storage flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment loading capabilityVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp system transitions from static permanently affixed ramps to dynamic removable ramps that can be installed or removed based on operational needs. The ramps attach to the trailer frame via removable fastening mechanisms, allowing them to be present during equipment loading operations and absent during highway transport to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp system is divided into separate modular components that can be independently attached or detached from the trailer. Each ramp assembly includes the ramp surface, support structure, and fastening mechanisms as separable units, enabling selective deployment without requiring permanent installation across the entire trailer structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If permanently affixed ramps are installed on utility trailers, then equipment loading capability is improved, but trailer storage options are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment loading capabilityVSAvoidtrailer storage options

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If aftermarket ramps are used instead of permanently affixed ramps, then storage flexibility is improved, but ramp stability and theft resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidramp stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp system incorporates pre-positioned attachment points and fastening mechanisms that are permanently installed on the trailer frame. These pre-prepared mounting locations enable rapid and secure attachment of ramps when needed, ensuring stability during equipment loading operations without requiring permanent ramp installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces removable fastening mechanisms as intermediaries between the ramp assemblies and the trailer frame. These fasteners provide a secure connection during loading operations while allowing easy removal for storage, bridging the gap between the need for stability during use and flexibility during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If ramps are made robust for heavy equipment, then load capacity is improved, but adaptability to uneven ground is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload capacityVSAvoidadaptability to uneven ground

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp system divides the loading function into multiple independent ramp assemblies rather than using a single large rigid ramp. Each individual ramp can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the system to accommodate uneven ground conditions while maintaining sufficient load capacity through the combined strength of multiple robust ramp structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp assemblies incorporate movable and adjustable components that allow each ramp to be independently positioned on uneven surfaces. The removable and reconfigurable nature of the system enables adaptation to varying ground conditions while maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capacity when properly deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11135960B2Aftermarket stowable trailer ramp

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 ETRAILER CORP

AI summary

A loading ramp assembly comprises a ramp body, a pivot bar, a first clamp and a second clamp. The ramp body includes a detent. The pivot bar includes a bore that receives the detent. The first clamp is disposed on the first side of the pivot bar and the second clamp is disposed on the second side of the pivot bar. The proximal end of the ramp body is rotatably connected to the pivot bar at a position on the pivot bar between the first clamp and the second clamp. The ramp body is rotatable on the pivot bar from a loading position to a stowed position and is also inwardly and outwardly slidable on the pivot bar. The first clamp and second clamp can assume a loosened configuration and a clamped configuration. In the loosened configuration the pivot bar is rotatably positionable such that the bore can assume a selected angular orientation. In the clamped configuration, the first clamp and second clamp apply a clamping force to the pivot bar that holds the pivot bar in a clamped position and maintains the bore in the selected angular orientation. One or more fasteners removably fasten the clamps to the floor. When the ramp body is rotated about the pivot bar and the detent is aligned with the bore, the detent engages the bore in the bore's selected angular orientation and holds the ramp body in the stowed position.