Telescopic Vehicle Ramp Structure for Compact Low-Slope Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramp apparatuses for vehicles, particularly those designed for handicapped individuals, face challenges in deploying a ramp platform of sufficient length to meet legal slope standards due to storage space constraints, leading to steep inclines and complex, slow deployment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A telescopically designed ramp apparatus with multiple platforms and a drive mechanism, including sprockets, rack gears, and motors, allows for extended deployment and efficient operation, optimizing storage and reducing slope angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the ramp platform length is increased to reduce slope angle, then the slope angle is reduced to meet legal standards, but the storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a telescopic ramp structure where multiple ramp segments are nested within each other during storage. The first ramp platform is stored within the housing, the second ramp platform is stored within the first ramp platform, and the third ramp platform is stored within the second ramp platform. This nested configuration allows the long ramp to be compacted into a small storage volume on the vehicle floor, resolving the contradiction between ramp length and storage space requirement.
2Length of moving object
If multiple ramp platforms are extended to increase deployment length, then the slope angle is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ramp into three separate telescopic platforms that can extend and retract independently. Each platform has its own drive mechanism (first drive mechanism for the first platform, second drive mechanism for the second platform, and third drive mechanism for the third platform), allowing segmented control and simplifying the overall system architecture compared to a single long telescopic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the control unit can selectively extend or retract individual ramp platforms based on deployment requirements. The ramp system transitions from a static single-length structure to a dynamic multi-length configuration, allowing the deployment length to be adjusted by controlling which platforms are extended, thereby managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.
3Length of moving object
If a complex multi-platform system is used to meet slope requirements, then the deployment length is increased, but the deployment speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions the multiple ramp platforms in a nested configuration within the housing, ready for rapid deployment. The drive mechanisms are pre-configured to extend the platforms sequentially or simultaneously, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments during deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the long deployment length to be achieved quickly, maintaining high deployment speed despite the multi-platform design.
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 enables a longer deployment length with reduced slope angles and faster operation, enhancing usability and convenience while maintaining compact storage.
Implementation Method 1
a motor driving the drive sprocket. The drive mechanism may be configured to move the second ramp platform with respect to the first ramp platform by the rotation of the drive sprocket
Implementation Method 2
a chain connecting the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket
Implementation Method 3
a chain connecting the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket
Implementation Method 4
a first pinion coupled to the drive sprocket and a first rack gear mounted on the first ramp platform and meshing with the first pinion
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment ramp apparatus for a vehicle includes a housing mounted on a vehicle body, a first ramp platform telescopically movable with respect to the housing, a second ramp platform telescopically movable with respect to the first ramp platform, a third ramp platform configured movable with respect to the second ramp platform, a hinge mechanism configured to move the first ramp platform between a stowed position and a deployed position and to allow the first ramp platform to pivot with respect to the housing in a state in which the first ramp platform is in the deployed position, and a drive mechanism configured to move the second ramp platform and the third ramp platform.