Trussed Ramp Extruded Beam with Right Triangle Bracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramp designs for loading and unloading trucks and trailers often face issues with structural strength and durability, particularly under heavy loads, which can lead to excessive stress and weakness in the curb projections.
Innovation Solution
The proposed ramp design incorporates an extruded beam with a top and bottom plate, side walls, and alternately angled brace walls forming right triangles. The design also features a curb projection with a slot system for compression relief, which enhances the durability of the ramp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional ramp designs are used, then the structure is simpler, but the structural strength and durability under heavy loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp structure is divided into multiple extruded beam sections, each containing internal brace walls that segment the load paths. These segmented beams connect to form a trussed ramp system that distributes forces through multiple discrete load-bearing elements rather than relying on a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extruded beams combine multiple materials or material phases within a single structural element - specifically integrating the curb projection (one material composition) with the beam body (another material composition) to create a composite structure that leverages the strengths of each material for different functional requirements.
2Force
If heavy loads are applied to the ramp, then the loading capacity increases, but the compression stress in curb projections increases causing weakness
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is transitioned from the vertical curb projection dimension to the horizontal extruded beam dimension. The beams span between supports and carry loads through their higher moment of inertia, effectively moving the primary stress resistance to a different structural dimension where the geometry provides greater strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The extruded beams serve as intermediary structural elements that transfer loads away from the curb projections. Rather than allowing loads to concentrate directly on the vulnerable curb projections, the beams act as mediators that distribute forces through their more robust trussed construction.
3Reliability
If the ramp structure is reinforced to handle heavy loads, then the durability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extruded beam design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary load-bearing structure, incorporates the curb projection for wheel support, contains internal brace walls for structural reinforcement, and offers attachment points for rails. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies assembly while maintaining high durability.
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp includes an extruded beam extending between a first end and a second end. The extruded beam includes a top plate and a bottom plate opposite the top plate. A first side wall and a second side wall each extend between the top plate and the bottom plate. A series of alternately angled brace walls are interior of the first and second side walls. Adjacent brace walls of the series form a series of right triangles between the top plate and the bottom plate.