Trailer Ramp Door Tension Cable Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer door and ramp configurations face challenges in being sturdy enough to support heavy loads while maintaining a wide opening and avoiding obstructions from tension members, which are often expensive and complicated to implement.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves relocating the attachment points of tension members to the ramp door and trailer frame, using wing tabs or flanges to create pull points that move the tension mechanism outside the trailer opening, reducing the obstruction and maintaining strength and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tension cables are attached along the sides of the ramp door to assist opening and closing, then the door can be easily opened and closed, but the cables create obstructions that block the sides of the opening and pose tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tension cable attachment from the interior side of the ramp door and relocates it to the exterior side. The cable is attached to a bracket on the outer surface of the door, allowing the cable to run outside the trailer opening rather than blocking the interior space. This removes the harmful obstruction while preserving the assistive function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the attachment point from a two-dimensional position along the side edge of the door to a three-dimensional position on the outer surface, extending outward from the door plane. This dimensional shift allows the cable to clear the opening area entirely, eliminating the tripping hazard while maintaining leverage effectiveness.
2Strength
If the ramp door is made sturdy and heavy to support heavy cargo loads, then the door can safely support heavy equipment and cargo, but the door becomes difficult to open and close without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a counterweight mechanism using tension cables and springs that provide an upward lifting force on the ramp door. The cables are attached to brackets on the outer surface of the door and connected to tensioning mechanisms that create a counterbalancing force, reducing the effort needed to lift and operate the heavy door while maintaining its structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional attachment bracket that serves multiple purposes: it provides structural reinforcement for the heavy door, serves as an attachment point for the tension cable, and extends outward to position the cable away from the opening. This single component addresses both the strength requirement and the ease of operation requirement.
3Power
If tension cables are positioned towards the top of the door to optimize leverage, then the mechanical advantage is improved, but the cables create blocking tension on both sides of the ramp door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tension cable from the interior side of the door where it would create blocking tension, and relocates it to the exterior side. The cable attaches to a bracket on the outer surface, allowing it to provide leverage without interfering with cargo loading or creating tripping hazards inside the trailer opening.
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
This configuration allows for easy opening and closing of the ramp door without sacrificing strength, eliminating the obstruction caused by traditional tension cables while accommodating heavier loads and maintaining a wider opening.
Implementation Method 1
use a spring or other counter-weight mechanism to help compensate for the weight of the ramp/door
Implementation Method 2
use a spring or other counter-weight mechanism to help compensate for the weight of the ramp/door
Implementation Method 3
relocating the attachment points of tension members to the ramp door and trailer frame
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer door that opens by hinging downward to double as a ramp for loading/unloading cargo and an improved assistive means by which such doors are opened and closed is provided. An assembly comprising a ramp pull point that is set apart from the plane of the ramp/door, and/or is moved outward from its edge, changes the physics of the tension required for the assistive lift force for any given ramp/door which in turn allows the spring or cabling counter-weight mechanism to be deployed substantially removing it from blocking the sides of the ramp/door.