Vehicle Leveler with Adjustable Ramp Angles and Safety Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle levelers have limited adjustability and cannot accommodate all types of vehicles, leading to unsafe loading and unloading of cargo. Additionally, they lack essential safety features such as elevated walkways and integrated lighting systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle leveler system that includes multiple surface angles for adjustable height settings, capable of elevating both rear and front axles to minimize internal floor slope. The system features an integrated safety light system controlled by sensors and an elevated walkway for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle leveler uses a fixed ramp surface angle, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate all types of vehicles and cannot minimize floor slope for safe cargo loading
Solution Approach 1:
The leveler implements a multi-position adjustable ramp surface that can be dynamically reconfigured to different angles. The ramp includes multiple sections that can be positioned at different angles relative to each other, allowing the system to adapt to various vehicle types and heights while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mechanical joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp surface is divided into multiple separable sections that can be independently positioned and angled. This segmentation allows each section to be adjusted to optimal angles for different vehicle configurations, providing versatility while keeping individual components manageable in size and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the leveler only elevates the rear axle, then the structure is simpler, but the internal floor slope cannot be minimized and cargo loading remains unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The leveler system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can elevate both rear and front axles independently, adjust ramp angles for different vehicle types, and provide a stable platform for safe cargo loading. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address various operational requirements without needing multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveler introduces an intermediate adjustable platform between the ground and the vehicle that can be configured to minimize floor slope. This intermediary structure with its multi-position ramp sections acts as a mediator that adapts to different vehicle configurations and creates optimal loading conditions.
3Reliability
If the leveler lacks safety features like elevated walkways and integrated lighting, then the device complexity is reduced, but operator safety during loading and unloading is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The leveler integrates multiple safety functions into a unified system: an elevated walkway provides safe operator access, while integrated lighting systems illuminate the work area. These safety features are combined with the primary leveling function in a coordinated design, where the walkway structure serves both as support and as a mounting platform for lighting and other safety systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The device includes a first portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge is disposed further from the driveway than the leading edge. The embodiment also includes a second portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge of the second portion is removably attached to the trailing edge of the first portion and the leading edge of the second portion is disposed further from the driveway than the trailing edge of the second portion. The device also includes an extension portion and opposing side portions, the opposing side portions extend the length of and contact the second portion and extension portion. The opposing side portions include at least one light which is controlled by a sensor adjacent to a door.