Vehicle Leveler With Swing Gate Safety Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle levelers have limited adjustability and fail to accommodate various vehicle types, leading to unsafe cargo loading and unloading, and lack adequate safety features for operators and personnel.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle leveler system with highly adjustable ramp sections and extension portions that can elevate both front and rear axles, combined with a safety barrier featuring pivotable swing gates for enhanced safety during loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the leveler uses a fixed ramp surface design, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various vehicle types and is not highly adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The leveler is divided into multiple modular sections including a first section with a first surface and a second section with a second surface. Each section can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the system to adapt to different vehicle types and loading scenarios while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The leveler incorporates movable and adjustable surfaces that can change position dynamically. The first and second surfaces can be positioned at different angles and heights, enabling the system to adapt to various vehicle configurations rather than being fixed in a single static configuration
2Ease of operation
If the leveler elevates only the rear axle, then the structure is simple, but it cannot minimize the slope of the internal floor when both front and rear axles need elevation
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation system is segmented into multiple independent elevation points that can raise the front axle, rear axle, or both simultaneously. This allows selective elevation based on the specific loading scenario, minimizing floor slope when needed while maintaining simpler operation when only single-point elevation is required
Solution Approach 2:
The leveler system is designed to perform multiple elevation functions - it can elevate the rear axle alone, the front axle alone, or both axles simultaneously. This multi-functionality enables the system to handle diverse loading scenarios and minimize floor slope across different vehicle types without requiring entirely separate mechanisms for each function
3Reliability
If the leveler lacks safety barriers, then the structure is simpler, but it provides inadequate safety for operators and personnel during loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
Safety barriers are installed at the sides of the leveler to prevent falls before operators or personnel can accidentally fall during loading and unloading operations. This preliminary protective measure is in place before any hazardous situation can occur, addressing the safety need without requiring complex active monitoring or response systems
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle leveler which includes a first portion with a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge is disposed further from the driveway than the leading edge. The leveler also includes a second portion with 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. The vehicle leveler has opposing side portions which have a top surface that forms a walkway. A safety barrier with two opposed gates is mounted adjacent to the vehicle leveler. The safety barrier when in an open position acts as a fall protection barrier for a user.