Vehicle Leveler Ramp Sections for Axle Elevation and Walkway Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle levelers lack adjustability, particularly in elevating both rear and front axles simultaneously to minimize internal floor slope, and lack integrated safety features such as walkways and lighting systems for enhanced safety during loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle leveler with adjustable ramp sections and integrated lighting, featuring a first and second portion with a removable connection, hydraulic lifts, and safety lights controlled by proximity sensors to ensure safe and efficient cargo handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle levelers use fixed ramp surfaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different vehicle types and loading requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leveler employs adjustable ramp surfaces that can be dynamically reconfigured to different angles and positions, allowing the same device to adapt to various vehicle types and loading requirements. The ramp sections can be tilted and positioned to minimize internal floor slope for different axle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp surface is divided into multiple adjustable sections rather than a single fixed surface. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each section to achieve optimal positioning for different vehicle configurations while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
2Reliability
If vehicle levelers lack safety features like walkways and lighting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety during loading and unloading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The safety features including walkways and lighting systems are integrated into the leveler structure itself. The walkways are built as part of the leveler platform, and lighting fixtures are mounted on the leveler body, combining safety functionality with the primary loading structure rather than adding separate standalone systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is equipped with automatic sensors that detect the presence of vehicles or operators and activate illumination without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates based on detected conditions, providing safety lighting only when needed and reducing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle levelers cannot elevate both rear and front axles simultaneously, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to minimize internal floor slope deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leveler system incorporates multiple independently controllable lifting points that can be dynamically adjusted to elevate both rear and front axles simultaneously. This dynamic positioning capability allows the leveler to adapt to different vehicle configurations and minimize internal floor slope for optimal loading conditions.
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 vehicle leveler provides enhanced adjustability to minimize internal floor slope and integrates safety features like walkways and lighting, improving loading and unloading safety and visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a support assembly having hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 2
integrated lights on the vehicle leveler and controlled by a sensor near the door
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle leveler 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 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 has opposing side portions and a walkway. The opposing side portions include at least one or more lights which illuminate the leveler and the walkway.