Threshold Ramp With Independent Sections for Wheel-Safe Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable bridge ramps are heavy, difficult to handle, and require special skills for deployment and retraction, with wheels of wheelchairs, pushchairs, and strollers often getting stuck in their design.
Innovation Solution
A threshold ramp with connecting plates, pivot mechanisms, U-shaped channels, locking clamps, and cables that allow independent rotation of ramp sections, enabling easy deployment and retraction by simple mechanical force or motor activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If foldable bridge ramps are designed to be collapsible for storage and transport, then storage convenience is improved, but the ramps become heavy and difficult to handle during use
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp transitions from a static folded state to a dynamic deployed state through a rolling mechanism. The ramp sections can be easily rolled out to the needed length and locked into place, allowing simple operation without requiring complex folding and unfolding actions. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by making the ramp easy to deploy and retract while maintaining compact storage capability.
2Strength
If traditional hinged ridge designs are used in bridge ramps, then structural support is provided, but wheels of wheelchairs and strollers get stuck in the hinged ridge
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional hinged ridge is replaced with a curved, arched structural design that provides continuous support along the ramp. This curved profile eliminates the sharp hinged ridge that causes wheel entrapment, while maintaining structural integrity through the arch shape. The smooth curved surface allows wheels to roll over without catching, resolving the contradiction between structural support and wheel accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If complex deployment mechanisms are used to achieve easy deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp incorporates an automatic locking mechanism that engages when the ramp sections are rolled out to the desired position. The locking clamps automatically secure the ramp in its deployed state without requiring manual intervention or complex assembly steps. This self-locking feature provides easy deployment while avoiding the need for complex manual folding and locking mechanisms.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient passage of wheelchairs, pushchairs, and strollers over thresholds and uneven surfaces, avoiding wheel entrapment and reducing manual handling difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
Each one of the pluralities of ramp sections rotate independently from each other, in regard to the first and the third connecting plates; and the first and the second pivot mechanisms move the first and the third connecting plates from an undeployed position to a deployed position
Implementation Method 2
a locking clamp located at a distal end of each one of the U-shaped channels; a prong 42 located on each one of the locking clamps 38, each one of the prongs 42 engages with the corresponding U-shaped channel
Data Source
AI summary
A threshold ramp adapted to be positioned adjacent to a threshold of a doorway and includes connecting plates; pivot mechanisms connecting the connecting plates; a plurality of ramp sections transversally connected between the connecting plates, U-shaped channels connecting adjacent ramp sections; a locking clamp located at a distal end of each one of the U-shaped channels; a prong located on each one of the U-shaped channels, each one of the prongs engages with the corresponding locking clamp of the U-shaped channel; and cables connecting the connecting plates. Each one of the pluralities of ramp sections rotate independently from each other, in regard to the first and the third connecting plates; and the first and the second pivot mechanisms move the first and the third connecting plates from an undeployed position to a deployed position, extending the ramp sections across the threshold when in the deployed position.