Vehicle Leveler Segmentation for Slope Minimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle levelers have limited adjustability and cannot accommodate all types of vehicles, leading to unsafe loading and unloading of cargo due to significant slope of the internal floor.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle leveler with multiple adjustable sections and extension portions that can elevate both rear and front axles, featuring a ramp section with varying lengths and heights, and metal grating for traction, allowing for safer cargo handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single fixed ramp surface is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different vehicle types and dock heights is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different vehicle typesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The leveler is divided into multiple sections (first section with first ramp surface, second section with second ramp surface) that can be independently adjusted. Each section can be positioned at different angles and heights, allowing the device to adapt to various vehicle types and dock configurations without requiring a completely different device for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp surfaces are made dynamically adjustable through hydraulic cylinders that can change the angle and position of each section independently. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the leveler to accommodate different vehicle types and dock heights by modifying the configuration in real-time, rather than being fixed for a single purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a single ramp surface is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to minimize internal floor slope is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during cargo loadingVSAvoidnumber of sections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The leveler is divided into multiple sections (first section with first ramp surface, second section with second ramp surface) that can be independently adjusted. Each section can be positioned at different angles and heights, allowing the device to adapt to various vehicle types and dock configurations without requiring a completely different device for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the leveler can have different ramp surface angles and configurations optimized for specific portions of the vehicle. The first section can be adjusted for the rear axle area while the second section adjusts for the front axle area, allowing each local region to be optimized for its specific function in minimizing the internal floor slope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the ramp surface is fixed in length and height, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to accommodate varying dock heights is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to dock heightsVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp surfaces are made dynamically adjustable through hydraulic cylinders that can change the angle and position of each section independently. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the leveler to accommodate different vehicle types and dock heights by modifying the configuration in real-time, rather than being fixed for a single purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameters of the ramp surfaces (angle, length, height) can be changed through hydraulic adjustment mechanisms. The hydraulic cylinders enable continuous variation of these parameters to match different dock heights and vehicle configurations, transforming a fixed-parameter device into one with variable parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 leveler minimizes the slope of the internal floor, enhancing safety during cargo loading and unloading by accommodating various vehicle sizes and types, including trailers and trucks, through its adjustable design and hydraulic lifting system.

Implementation Method 1

hydraulic lifting system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic lifting: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10815103B1Vehicle leveler

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 LEUM ENG INC D B A DOCKZILLA CO

AI summary

A vehicle leveler includes a first portion having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge is disposed further from the driveway than the leading edge. The vehicle leveler 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 second portion also includes an extension portion which extends from the trailing edge of the second portion toward a rear of the leveler and includes a substantially flat section disposed about parallel with the substantially flat driveway. The first portion and second portion are separate from each other until they are removably attached by a connection apparatus.