Vehicle Load Ramp Control for Weather and Motion Lockout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle load ramps lack advanced features to prevent deployment in adverse weather conditions and ensure safe operation, particularly when the vehicle is in motion or reversing, which can lead to damage or improper use.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle system that includes a load ramp deployably coupled to a closure panel, a moisture sensor, and a controller that monitors weather conditions and vehicle status to prevent deployment in precipitation or temperature changes, and automatically retracts the ramp when the vehicle is in motion or reversing, ensuring safe operation and preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the load ramp is deployed to provide access to the vehicle interior, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of damage increases when the vehicle is in motion or reversing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of access to vehicle interiorVSAvoidrisk of damage to load ramp

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a microphone to detect scraping sounds and a controller to process this acoustic feedback. When the vehicle is in motion and a scraping sound is detected, the controller determines the load ramp is in the extended position and provides feedback to the user through a notification, enabling timely corrective action to prevent damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-monitoring capabilities through the microphone and controller combination that automatically detects improper load ramp usage conditions and notifies the user without requiring external monitoring equipment or manual checking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the load ramp is deployed in adverse weather conditions, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to moisture and temperature changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of access to vehicle interiorVSAvoidprecision of load ramp components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The moisture sensor performs preliminary detection of adverse weather conditions before the load ramp is deployed. The controller uses this advance information to prevent deployment when moisture is detected, thereby protecting the load ramp components from moisture-related precision deterioration before damage can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The moisture sensor provides continuous environmental feedback to the controller, which monitors humidity levels and prevents load ramp deployment when adverse weather conditions are detected, protecting the precision of load ramp components from moisture and temperature-related degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the load ramp is deployed without monitoring vehicle status, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to improper use during vehicle motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of access to vehicle interiorVSAvoiddamage from vehicle motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors vehicle status through the microphone's detection of scraping sounds and the controller's processing of this information. When the vehicle is in motion and the load ramp is detected to be extended, the system provides feedback to the user, enabling timely action to eliminate harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The microphone acts as an intermediary sensor that detects the mechanical interaction between the load ramp and the environment during vehicle motion, translating physical scraping sounds into electrical signals that the controller can process to determine improper usage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the load ramp deployment is controlled by multiple sensors and controllers, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of load ramp operationVSAvoidnumber of sensors and control components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves multiple functions: it processes moisture sensor data to prevent deployment in adverse weather, monitors microphone input to detect scraping sounds, determines load ramp position based on vehicle motion status, and provides user notifications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control units for each monitoring task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12145492B2Load ramp for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.11.19 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle includes a body, an access aperture that is defined by the body, a closure panel, a load ramp, and a moisture sensor. The access aperture provides access to an interior of the vehicle. The closure panel selectively covers at least a portion of the access aperture. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a dosed position relative to the access aperture. The load ramp is deployably coupled to the closure panel. The load ramp includes a coupled end and a free end. The load ramp is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The moisture sensor is positioned proximate to the free end of the load ramp. Methods of controlling the vehicle are also disclosed.