GM Trucks, SUVs Brings Latest Innovation: Patent for Inflatable, Deployable Ramps

May 01, 2024 01:50 AM EDT

PHOTO OF CHEVROLET PICKUP TRUCK ON ROAD — (Photo : PEXELS/Efrem Efre)

The automotive sector is always changing as a result of businesses like General Motors pushing for innovation. The United States Patent Office received a new patent application from GM's research and development department, revealing plans for an innovative deployable ramp meant for use with trucks and SUVs.

Inflatable and Deployable Ramps for GM Trucks, SUVs Soon

GM's focus on manufacturing deployable ramps indicates a forward-thinking strategy to satisfy changing needs in the automotive business, as consumers strive for more practical and convenient solutions in their vehicles.

CarBuzz has discovered a patent submission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, outlining innovative concepts for a deployable ramp from General Motors. This inventive approach centers around a versatile roll-out ramp mechanism designed to seamlessly unfold from various vehicle access points, catering to both truck models such as the Chevrolet Silverado and SUV designs like the Suburban.

Deployable Ramps To Offer Convenience

CarBuzz emphasized the practical advantages and ease of use associated with inflatable and deployable ramps. These innovative solutions not only facilitate the loading of cargo onto trucks and vans but also offer a promising solution for improving accessibility, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges.

While the primary focus lies on these initial applications, the patent's underlying concept hints at a myriad of other potential uses waiting to be explored, which will be further delved into after a detailed examination of the ramp's operational functionality.

How It Works

When not in operation, the compactly rolled ramp is designed to nestle discreetly within a dedicated compartment located either at the tailgate of a truck or the lower section of an SUV or van's sliding door, ensuring convenient access while remaining unobtrusive.

Drawing parallels to Ford's recent patent on deployable roof racks, the underlying principle revolves around streamlining accessibility features. Unlike traditional ramps that necessitate separate storage and manual attachment, this integrated roll-up ramp seamlessly becomes part of the vehicle, automatically deploying when required.

The anticipated reverse process is also envisioned to unfold effortlessly, highlighting a user-friendly and efficient design approach. In order to adeptly handle the necessary weight loads, the patent outlines the incorporation of "rigidizing elements," essentially support arms running the entire span of the extended ramp.

To facilitate folding, these components are envisioned to consist of inflatable bladders. By introducing a specified fluid into these bladders, the elements transition into a rigid state, ensuring structural integrity during use.

Conversely, retracting the fluid enables the ramp to fold back into its storage position, showcasing a clever and adaptable mechanism designed for practical functionality.

As reported by MotorAuthority, ramps play a crucial role in facilitating the loading of wheeled vehicles into truck beds, presenting a balancing act between accommodating a high-angled ramp within the bed for space efficiency and the challenge of loading with such an incline, versus opting for a low-angled ramp that poses storage constraints.

General Motors delved into this dilemma in a recent patent application unveiled by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on January 18, with the initial filing dating back to July 13, 2022, shedding light on their innovative approach to addressing these practical considerations.

Furthermore, the report highlighted that GM is not singular in its endeavors to develop sophisticated bed ramps within the truck industry. Ford's patent documentation from 2023 alludes to a ramp integrated into an extendable cargo bed floor concept.

Contrastingly, this design involves the entire bed floor sliding rearward beyond the tailgate's edge, with the backmost section pivoting downwards to create a ramp structure. In comparison, GM's approach stands out for its simplicity, avoiding the need for alterations to the bed itself.