Vehicle Carrier Ramp and Box for Stroller Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handling and transporting heavy, bulky items like strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters in and out of vehicles is labor-intensive and can cause back and joint pain, especially for individuals with limited physical reserves.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted carrier system with a hinged ramp and restraint pads that allows these items to be wheeled into a protective box, eliminating the need for lifting and bending, while also providing protection from the elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If units are lifted for placement in the trunk or inside a vehicle, then the units can be transported, but the process becomes labor intensive and causes back and joint pain
Solution Approach 1:
A ramp is introduced as an intermediary element between the ground and the vehicle trunk, allowing wheeled units to be rolled up into the trunk rather than lifted directly. The ramp serves as a mechanical mediator that converts vertical lifting into a more manageable inclined plane operation, reducing the force required by users.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp is designed to be movable and adjustable, transitioning between a storage position and a loading position. This dynamic design allows the ramp to be deployed only when needed for loading, and stored away when not in use, adapting the system's configuration to different operational states.
2Ease of operation
If a carrier box is attached to the rear of a vehicle, then loading is simplified, but the trunk or back of the vehicle cannot be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier box is mounted on a hinge mechanism that allows it to be rotated between a closed position (blocking trunk access) and an open position (allowing trunk access). This dynamic mounting enables the system to adapt its configuration based on whether loading is needed or trunk access is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier box is divided into separable components, including the box itself and the mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows the box to be detached from the vehicle when trunk access is needed, while still providing easy loading when attached.
3Device complexity
If the ramp is made as a single solid piece, then it is simple in structure, but it cannot be stored compactly when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be folded or telescoped relative to each other. This segmentation allows the ramp to be collapsed into a compact form for storage, while still providing sufficient length and stability when deployed for loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp segments are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, similar to a telescoping structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the storage volume required while maintaining the ramp's functional length during use.
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
Simplifies the process of loading and unloading these items, reducing physical strain and protecting them from environmental damage.
Implementation Method 1
The door means is hinged to the box means so that it can be opened and placed on the ground to function as a ramp
Implementation Method 2
A spring means is attached to both the ramp and the base of the carrier means in a special position so that it will hold the door in a closed position when the door is closed
Implementation Method 3
A pole is attached to the outer surface of the ramp for holding the free end of the ramp above the ground for preventing it from being soiled
Implementation Method 4
A horizontal hinge means allows the base which will have the box means on it, to be tilted on a horizontal axis
Implementation Method 5
The lock means will be made from various known means so that when the lock means gets engaged the hinge means will stay in a locked position
Implementation Method 6
This box means has pads and other restraint means that are designed to prevent it from moving
Data Source
AI summary
The advanced life has brought the use of strollers, wheelchairs and carriers for easing the life and human care. However, handling these objects in and out of a vehicle has turned to be a practical problem. Commonly these units are lifted for placement in the trunk or inside a vehicle, however, manipulation of these units which have a noticeable weight and a rough shape are difficult and labor intensive. Particularly, by some mothers that does not have enough reserve doing other chores. This activity will increase the pain of those who just had C-sections or it can cause a new back and joint pains or worsen the existing ones. This application introduces methods and means to allow such a process to be done easily. This application introduces new units and methods which allows strollers and carriers and similar units to be placed inside a box means which is attached to the rear of a vehicle by use of a door that opens and stands on the ground to function as a ramp. This allows a wheeled unit to be wheeled up into the box and be kept inside the box means by means that are designed to prevent it from moving. The ramp will close as a door and locked. Thus this method will simplify the process of moving these objects and will practically eliminate the need for bending and lifting of such units. The box means will also function as a protector from rain, snow and bad environment.