Vehicle Access Ramp With Protective Shutter Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable devices for vehicle access, particularly for railway vehicles, are exposed to dust and weather when retracted, degrade quickly, and are not well-suited for mobility aids due to bulkiness and unevenness between the ramp and vehicle threshold.
Innovation Solution
A deployable device with a ramp and shutter mechanism that protects the ramp in a housing when stowed, compensates for height differences with an inclined plane, and allows both motorized and manual operation, featuring mechanical connections between the ramp and shutter for synchronized movement, and a pressure sensor for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ramp is placed below the vehicle body in retracted position, then the device is compact, but the ramp and drive means are exposed to dust and weather causing quick degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is nested within a housing structure when retracted, with the housing serving as a protective enclosure. The shutter mechanism further nested within the housing provides additional protection, creating a multi-layer protective structure that shields the ramp from environmental damage while maintaining compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful exposure to dust and weather is extracted from the ramp by introducing the housing and shutter as separate protective components. The shutter can be opened when needed and closed when retracted, dynamically extracting the ramp from environmental exposure only when necessary for operation.
2Ease of operation
If the device is made bulky to accommodate the ramp, then the ramp can be fully operational, but the device becomes mechanically complex and takes up more space
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the ramp, the housing, and the shutter mechanism. Each component has a specific function and can be independently analyzed or maintained. The mechanical connection means are also segmented into discrete elements like rollers and guide rails, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the ramp rotate into position, the invention inverts the approach by having the ramp translate linearly while the shutter rotates to open the access path. This inversion simplifies the ramp's mechanical requirements and reduces complexity in the drive mechanism.
3Volume of moving object
If the ramp is made to rotate into deployed position, then the ramp can be stored compactly, but the movement requires more energy and complex rotation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by having the shutter rotate instead of the ramp. The ramp translates linearly along guide rails, which requires less energy and simpler mechanics than rotation. The shutter's rotation creates the access opening, achieving the same functional result with reduced energy consumption and mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the compact stowed position and the deployed ramp. Instead of moving the entire ramp assembly, the shutter opens a path through the housing, allowing the ramp to extend with minimal movement and energy expenditure.
4Volume of moving object
If there is a difference in level between the ramp and access threshold, then the device can be compact, but access for mobility aids is not facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined plane is introduced locally at the interface between the ramp and the access threshold, specifically where needed to bridge the height difference. This localized solution does not affect the overall compactness of the device when retracted, as the inclined plane is only deployed when the ramp is in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap's position is dynamic, rotating from a closed position to an open position that creates the inclined plane. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to adapt to accessibility requirements when deployed while maintaining a compact, protected form when retracted, providing versatility without sacrificing compactness.
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 device remains operational and protected from environmental damage, facilitates access for mobility aids by eliminating unevenness, and offers flexible actuation options while ensuring user safety and reducing repair costs in case of incidents.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanical connection means comprise at least one roller secured to the flap and a guide rail for the roller, secured to the ramp
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an extendable device for accessing a vehicle, said vehicle including a housing (3) for storing the device extending below a vehicle access threshold (2) and having a window (4) enabling the extension of the device, wherein said device includes: a mobile ramp (5) capable of translation along an axis A between a stored position in the housing and an extended position; and a mobile flap (8) rotatably moveable about an axis B between a protection position in which the flap closes the window (4) of the housing (3) and an extended position in which the flap defines an inclined plane between the ramp (5) and the access threshold (2). The invention also relates to a platform for accessing a vehicle.