Telescoping Ramp Nested Runners Structural Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescoping ramps lack structural support at angular members, making them prone to collapse under heavy loads and difficult to construct from lightweight materials, while also being cumbersome to deploy and transport.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping ramp design featuring two ramp members with inverted J-shaped channels and rail-like protrusions that engage for stability, along with mounting extensions and stop members for secure deployment and adjustable height, constructed from materials like plastic and aluminum for portability and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If telescoping ramps use integrated angular support members without lateral support, then the structure can be constructed with fewer components, but the ramp becomes susceptible to collapse under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested runners where an inner runner is placed within an outer runner. The inner runner includes tracks that engage with the outer runner's channels, creating a nested configuration. This nesting provides lateral support to the angular support members through the interaction between the inner and outer runners, preventing collapse while maintaining structural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lateral support by engaging the inner runner's tracks with the outer runner's channels in a perpendicular dimension. The tracks on the inner runner extend perpendicular to the load-bearing surface, while the channels in the outer runner provide lateral confinement. This dimensional addition stabilizes the angular support members without significantly increasing overall structural complexity
2Reliability
If telescoping ramps use tracks inclined at less than 30 degrees to the vertical, then the runners can be locked when weight is applied, but the ramp becomes susceptible to collapse when heavier objects are placed on it in extended state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different angular characteristics to different parts of the tracking system. The tracks are inclined at less than 30 degrees to the vertical for locking functionality, while the channels in the outer runner are configured with specific angular relationships to provide lateral support. This local differentiation allows the locking mechanism to function effectively while the channel geometry provides additional structural stability under heavy loads
3Weight of moving object
If telescoping ramps are designed to be lightweight and portable, then the ramp can be easily transported, but the structural support at angular members is reduced making collapse more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The nested runner configuration allows lightweight materials to be used while maintaining strength. The inner runner with its tracking system provides structural support when engaged with the outer runner, enabling the use of lighter materials that would otherwise be insufficient. The nesting creates a composite structural system where the interaction between runners provides the necessary support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively creates a composite structural system through the nested runners. The combination of the inner runner's tracks and the outer runner's channels forms a composite load-bearing structure. This composite approach allows the use of lighter materials in each component while the combined structure provides the necessary strength and support
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a telescoping ramp that includes two ramp members that fit one atop the other such that the two members may be extended out or collapsed together. The first, outer ramp member has channels on either side of a substantially planar surface. The channels of the outer ramp member are structured to capture the rails on either side of a second ramp member. An inverted J-shaped channel is formed along each of the longitudinally aligned sides of the first ramp member. One embodiment includes inverted J-shaped channels that are dimensionally larger near the side that engages the other ramp member. The second ramp member is sized to between the inverted J-shaped channels and includes protruding rail-like members formed along each of its longitudinally aligned sides. The protruding members are complementarily shaped to slide and fit within a corresponding inverted J-shaped channel of the first ramp member.