Telescopic Vehicle Ramp With Hinge Drive for Fast Long Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramp apparatuses for vehicles, particularly those designed for handicapped individuals, face challenges in deploying a ramp platform of sufficient length to meet legal slope standards due to storage space constraints and have complex operation systems that result in slow deployment speeds.
Innovation Solution
A telescopically deployable and retractable ramp apparatus with a hinge mechanism and drive mechanism, allowing the ramp assembly to extend and retract efficiently, optimizing storage space and deployment speed while enabling adjustable deployment length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the ramp platform length is increased to meet legal slope standards, then the slope angle is reduced, but the storage space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a telescopic ramp structure where multiple ramp segments are nested within each other during storage. The ramp platform comprises a first ramp, second ramp, and third ramp that can be telescopically extended from a compact stored state to a fully extended operational state, achieving long ramp length without proportionally increasing storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp system transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic telescopic design that can adjust its length. The movable body and telescopic mechanism allow the ramp to dynamically change its deployed length based on operational requirements, optimizing both storage efficiency and functional performance.
2Length of moving object
If multiple ramp platforms are extended to increase deployment length, then the slope standard is met, but the operation system becomes complex and deployment speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ramp extension functions into a single integrated telescopic mechanism. Instead of independently controlling multiple separate ramp platforms, the system uses one movable body that simultaneously manages the extension and retraction of all ramp segments through a unified drive mechanism, simplifying the operation system while achieving the required deployment length.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp platform is divided into multiple telescopic segments (first ramp, second ramp, third ramp) that can extend sequentially or simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to achieve long deployment length through coordinated extension of individual segments rather than requiring complex independent control of multiple separate platforms.
3Productivity
If the ramp platform is manually deployed, then the structure is simple, but the deployment speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical deployment with an automated drive mechanism comprising a motor, drive sprocket, and chain. The motor-driven sprocket system automatically extends and retracts the telescopic ramp segments, significantly increasing deployment speed while maintaining relatively simple mechanical construction through the use of standard drive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism enables the ramp system to perform its own deployment and retraction operations automatically without manual intervention. The motor-driven system self-actuates the telescopic extension and retraction sequences, making the system self-sufficient for its primary operational functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment is a ramp apparatus for a vehicle, the ramp apparatus including a housing mounted on a vehicle body, a ramp assembly configured to move between a stowed position in which the ramp assembly is stowed in the housing and an extended position in which the ramp assembly is extended out from the housing, wherein the ramp assembly is configured to be moved telescopically to be extended and retracted. The ramp apparatus may further include a hinge mechanism configured to allow the ramp assembly to pivot when the ramp assembly is deployed from the housing, wherein the hinge mechanism includes a moving body connected to the ramp assembly through a hinge shaft, and a hinge drive unit mounted on the moving body.