Wave-Profile Ramp Panels for Slip-Resistant, Low-Complexity Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramps face challenges in providing a slip-resistant surface and efficient manufacturing, with known solutions increasing costs and complexity due to the need for differently sized panels and time-consuming assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A ramp panel design featuring longitudinally-elongated ridges and troughs with varying heights to create a wave profile, combined with a hinge system allowing for the use of equally sized panels and a ramp kerb design facilitating efficient assembly through self-piercing rivets or clinching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ramp surface with transverse ridges and grooves is provided, then slip resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for differently sized panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating ridges with varying heights at different transverse positions rather than uniform ridges. This local variation in ridge height provides enhanced slip resistance in critical areas while maintaining a consistent panel design for manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using differently sized panels to achieve kerb nesting as in prior art, the patent inverts the approach by using equally sized panels with asymmetric ridge height patterns. This inversion resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving the nesting function through the varied ridge profile.
2Volume of moving object
If differently sized ramp panels are used to enable kerb nesting, then storage compactness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to requiring differently sized manufacturing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality by varying ridge heights at specific transverse locations on otherwise identical panels. This allows the panels to nest asymmetrically in storage while being manufactured using the same equipment, eliminating the need for multiple manufacturing sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies homogeneity by using equally sized panels with identical overall dimensions, allowing them to be manufactured on the same production line. The functional differentiation is achieved through the asymmetric ridge height pattern rather than panel size variation.
3Strength
If multiple assembly operations are used to fix kerbs to ramp members, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-formed asymmetric ridge structures on the panels during manufacturing. This preliminary formation of the functional profile eliminates the need for multiple post-manufacturing assembly operations, reducing assembly time while maintaining connection strength through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric ridge structure serves multiple functions simultaneously - providing slip resistance, enabling kerb nesting, and facilitating assembly alignment. This self-service design reduces the need for separate assembly operations while maintaining all required functional strengths.
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
The design enhances traction and reduces manufacturing costs by using equally sized panels and simplifies assembly, providing a slip-resistant and cost-effective ramp solution.
Implementation Method 1
the height of the ridges on the ramp panel varies such that the upper faces of the ridges provide a ramp surface having a wave profile in the transverse direction
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp panel comprising a plurality of longitudinally-elongated ridges spaced in a transverse direction by a plurality of interposed longitudinally-elongated troughs is provided. Each ridge has an upper face defining a portion of a ramp surface over which a ramp user can travel, wherein the height of the ridges on the substrate varies such that the upper faces of the ridges provide a ramp surface having a wave profile in the transverse direction.