Vehicle Ramp Control System OEM Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-deployable vehicle ramp systems lack integrated control with OEM vehicle systems, requiring manual operation and lacking automated preventative maintenance indicators, which can lead to inefficient use and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle ramp control system that includes a system controller interfacing with both the power ramp and OEM vehicle control systems, a service tool for data exchange, a diagnostic tool for system diagnostics, and a preventative maintenance indicator to automate ramp deployment and retraction, and alert for maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power-deployable vehicle ramps are implemented, then accessibility for wheelchair users is improved, but system complexity and integration requirements with OEM vehicle systems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power ramp control system with the OEM vehicle control system through a unified controller that manages both systems. This merging approach allows the ramp system to leverage existing vehicle control infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining improved accessibility functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages the power ramp deployment and retraction, interfaces with the OEM vehicle control system, provides diagnostic capabilities, and triggers preventative maintenance indicators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby managing complexity while delivering comprehensive accessibility solutions.
2Productivity
If manual operation of ramps is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated ramp deployment and retraction through the power control system, eliminating the need for manual operation. The controller automatically manages the ramp based on vehicle state and user needs, significantly improving operational efficiency while the integration with OEM systems helps manage control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates diagnostic tools and preventative maintenance indicators that provide continuous feedback on ramp system status. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to automatically adjust operations and trigger maintenance alerts, improving efficiency through automated decision-making while managing complexity through structured monitoring protocols.
3Extent of automation
If integrated control with OEM vehicle systems is implemented, then system coordination and automation are improved, but diagnostic and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated interface layer between the power ramp system and the OEM vehicle control system. This intermediary controller translates and coordinates commands between the two systems, enabling automated operation while centralizing diagnostic functions and maintenance monitoring in one location, thereby managing repair complexity despite increased automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical operation with electronic control and automated actuation. The power control system uses electronic signals to deploy and retract the ramp, while integrated diagnostics use electronic monitoring instead of manual inspection, improving automation while enabling more precise and manageable maintenance through electronic fault detection and reporting.
4Reliability
If automated preventative maintenance indicators are added, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preventative maintenance indicators that alert users to potential issues before they cause failures. The controller continuously monitors system parameters and triggers maintenance warnings in advance, improving reliability through proactive maintenance while using the existing control infrastructure to minimize additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic tools and maintenance indicators provide continuous feedback on system health, allowing the controller to detect and report issues automatically. This feedback loop improves reliability by enabling early intervention, while the integrated diagnostic framework manages complexity through unified monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle ramp control system may include a system controller configured to interface with a power ramp system for a vehicle and with an OEM vehicle control system. A service tool configured to interface with the system controller is programmed to exchange with the system controller data relating to at least one operational aspect of the power ramp system. A diagnostic tool configured to interface with the system controller is programmed to exchange with the system controller data relating to at least one diagnostic aspect of the power ramp system. A preventative maintenance indicator operatively associated with the system controller is activated by the system controller when a preventative maintenance operation is required.