Telescopic Vehicle Ramp Drive for Long Reach and Fast Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramp apparatuses for vehicles, particularly those designed for handicapped individuals, face challenges in deploying a ramp platform of sufficient length due to storage space constraints, leading to steep slopes that do not meet legal standards and complex operation systems that result in slow deployment speeds.
Innovation Solution
A telescopically designed ramp apparatus with multiple interconnected platforms and a drive mechanism, including sprockets, chains, and motors, allows for extended deployment length while minimizing storage space and enhancing operation speed, enabling the ramp to be easily extended or retracted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single ramp platform is used, then the storage space is minimized, but the deployment length is insufficient leading to steep slopes that do not meet legal standards
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp apparatus employs a telescopic structure where multiple ramp platforms are nested within each other during storage. The first ramp platform contains the second ramp platform, which in turn contains the third ramp platform, allowing compact stowage while enabling extended deployment length when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp platform is divided into multiple separable segments (first, second, and third ramp platforms) that can be independently controlled. Each segment can be extended or retracted relative to the others, allowing the deployment length to be adjusted to meet legal slope standards while maintaining compact storage.
2Length of moving object
If multiple ramp platforms are extended to increase deployment length, then the slope meets legal standards, but the operation system becomes complex and deployment speed becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanisms for the second and third ramp platforms are integrated into a single unified system. A single motor drives both platforms through a shared transmission mechanism involving a drive sprocket, chain, and rack gears, synchronizing their movement and simplifying control while maintaining fast deployment speed.
3Length of moving object
If multiple independent drive mechanisms are used for each ramp platform, then the deployment length is increased, but the operation system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanisms for the second and third ramp platforms are integrated into a single unified system. A single motor drives both platforms through a shared transmission mechanism involving a drive sprocket, chain, and rack gears, synchronizing their movement and simplifying control while maintaining fast deployment speed.
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 telescopically designed ramp apparatus effectively increases deployment length, reduces slope angles to meet legal standards, and improves operation speed, making it more convenient and versatile for various uses.
Implementation Method 1
a motor driving the drive sprocket
Implementation Method 2
a chain connecting the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket
Implementation Method 3
a drive pinion coupled to the drive sprocket, a drive rack gear meshing with the drive pinion, a driven pinion coupled to the driven sprocket, and a driven rack gear meshing with the driven pinion
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment is a ramp apparatus for a vehicle, the ramp apparatus including a first ramp platform, a second ramp platform configured to telescopically move with respect to the first ramp platform, a third ramp platform configured to telescopically move with respect to the second ramp platform, and a drive mechanism configured to move the second ramp platform and the third ramp platform, wherein the drive mechanism includes a drive sprocket, a driven sprocket spaced apart from the drive sprocket, a chain connecting the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, a motor configured to drive the drive sprocket, a drive pinion coupled to the drive sprocket, a drive rack gear meshing with the drive pinion, a driven pinion coupled to the driven sprocket, and a driven rack gear meshing with the driven pinion.