Multi-Configuration Vehicle Ramp System for Curb and Roadway Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle ramp systems face challenges in accommodating a wide variety of passenger needs, such as wheelchairs, scooters, and passengers with limited mobility, while also requiring compact retraction to fit within vehicle constraints, especially when boarding from curbed sidewalks or varying heights.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle ramp system with multiple configurations, including fully retracted, partially extended 'step in', partially extended 'curb ramp', and fully extended positions, featuring a main frame with slidably movable outboard and inboard ramp sections and an outboard extension ramp section that can pivot or slide between deployed and stowed positions, allowing for adaptable engagement with different surfaces and curbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ramp system is extended to accommodate various boarding scenarios (curbs, sidewalks, road surfaces), then the adaptability and versatility improve, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system is divided into multiple independent sections: an inboard ramp section and an outboard ramp section that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows each section to be independently positioned to accommodate different boarding scenarios while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The outboard ramp section is designed to be slidably movable between extended and retracted positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the ramp to adapt its configuration based on boarding needs (curb ramp, step-in, or full extension) without requiring multiple fixed structures
2Ease of operation
If the outboard ramp section is made slidably movable to enable multiple configurations, then the ease of operation and adaptability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outboard ramp section nests within or alongside the inboard ramp section when retracted, similar to a nested doll structure. This allows the sliding mechanism to achieve multiple positions without requiring excessive space or complex guide structures, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining operational flexibility
3Volume of moving object
If the ramp system is designed to retract into a compact space, then the vehicle integration improves, but the adaptability to various boarding heights and surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp system transitions from a static stored position to dynamic deployed positions through the slidable outboard section. When retracted, the ramp occupies minimal space within the vehicle. When deployed, the outboard section can slide to various positions to accommodate different boarding heights and surface types, maintaining adaptability while minimizing storage volume
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle ramp system has multiple configurations. The simplest embodiment provides a ramp which can move between a retracted configuration and an extended “step in” configuration in which an outboard end of the ramp is closer to the ground than in the retracted configuration, so that the outboard end of the ramp functions as a lowered step. A preferred embodiment provides a fully retracted configuration, a partially extended “step in” configuration, a partially extended “curb ramp” configuration in which the outboard end of the ramp can engage a curb or sidewalk, and a fully extended configuration in which the outboard end of the ramp can engage a road surface of the road on which the vehicle carrying the ramp is supported.