Telescopic Ramp Loading System with Nested I-Beam Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramp systems for loading and unloading vehicles are often cumbersome, difficult to deploy, and occupy valuable cargo space, lacking in compactness and ease of operation.
Innovation Solution
A ramp loading system comprising I-beams telescopically stored within a bridge, which is enclosed within a housing, allowing for secure and space-efficient installation on a truck bed, with a handle for easy deployment and a non-slip coating for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If ramps are designed to be carried within the cargo area of a truck, then they can be stored compactly, but they take up valuable cargo space and require heavy-duty straps for securing
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system employs a nested structure where the ramp members are stored within the hollow cavity of the tailgate, and the support members are nested within the ramp structure itself. This allows the entire system to be stored in a compact form occupying minimal space while maintaining easy deployment capability through the integrated handle and telescoping mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ramps are made extendable for loading, then they can accommodate different cargo sizes, but they become difficult to extend and assemble quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into multiple telescoping members that can extend and retract independently. Each member is equipped with handles for easy manipulation, and the segmented structure allows the ramp to be adjusted to various lengths to accommodate different cargo sizes while maintaining simple operation through the integrated handle system.
3Ease of operation
If a tailgate with ramp is used, then loading can be facilitated, but it is troublesome, overly-large, or difficult to install and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system is merged with the tailgate structure by integrating the ramp members and support members into the tailgate's hollow cavity. This combination eliminates the need for separate installation components and simplifies the overall structure, making the system easy to install while maintaining loading facilitation capabilities through the extended ramp surface.
4Strength
If ramps are made strong and durable, then they can support heavy loads, but they increase in weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp members are constructed using composite material structures, specifically hollow box sections that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. The hollow cavity structure maintains load-bearing capacity while reducing overall weight compared to solid construction, allowing the ramp to support heavy cargo while remaining manageable in weight and compact in storage.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an adjustable-length, variable-tracked ramp loading system attachable to a stationary loading dock or to the bed of any of a variety of trucks, said ramp loading system functioning to assist with the loading of assorted types of cargo including mowing equipment, wheeled vehicles, construction equipment, supplies, materials, and other objects of dimensions compatible with the size of the ramps which comprise the ramp loading system installed. The system is constructed and operates with a minimum of two (2) extendable ramps, each ramp reinforced with four lengthwise I-beams. Each ramp is manually pulled out from its individual bridge, which bridge itself is stored inside horizontally-oriented primarily longitudinal housing channels attached to the bed of the truck or loading dock. The ramps may be extended and angularly lowered at varying distances from the rear of the truck bed or dock.