Adjustable Dolly with Cantilevered Channel for Furniture Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for moving large or heavy office furniture are inefficient due to increased width and length requirements, instability, and the risk of slipping or tipping, especially when navigating through doors and corners.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising adjustable dollies with wheels, side walls forming a channel, and an engagement mechanism that secures objects in a cantilevered position, reducing the likelihood of tipping and facilitating easier movement through tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional four-wheeled furniture moving devices are used, then the furniture can be moved, but the total width and length of the unit increases substantially, making it difficult to move through doors and around corners
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture is divided into multiple segments, each supported by a separate dolly. Instead of using one large four-wheeled device, the patent attaches multiple dollies (typically two) to different legs or extension portions of the furniture, allowing each dolly to be compact while collectively supporting the entire piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal support (conventional four-wheeled devices that increase width) to vertical/cantilevered support. The dollies are positioned on extension portions of furniture legs, and the furniture is angled relative to the floor, utilizing vertical space and angular orientation rather than increasing horizontal footprint.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional furniture moving devices are used, then the furniture can be transported, but the device lacks stability and the furniture is prone to slipping or tipping over
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members are pre-configured to apply securing forces before movement begins. The spring-loaded or adjustable engagement members are positioned to automatically engage with the furniture legs or extension portions, preventing slipping or tipping before it occurs during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses adjustable engagement members that can change their securing parameters (pressure, position, angle) to match different furniture types and weights. The spring force or adjustment mechanism allows the securing force to be optimized for each specific furniture piece, enhancing stability without requiring overly complex fixed mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If conventional four-wheeled devices are used, then furniture can be moved, but at least two people are required to operate it safely
Solution Approach 1:
The dollies are designed to be self-securing through spring-loaded engagement members that automatically engage with the furniture legs or extension portions. The engagement members apply continuous securing force without requiring manual adjustment or monitoring during movement, allowing one person to safely operate the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement members are designed with dynamic characteristics (spring loading, adjustability) that allow them to adapt to different furniture weights and positions automatically. This dynamic response ensures reliable securing without requiring manual intervention, enabling safe single-person operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method is provided that includes a plurality of dollies. Each dolly includes a base portion and a plurality of wheels attached to the base portion. Each dolly further includes side walls extending from the base, and defining a channel, an adjustment mechanism and an engagement member disposed along an inside of one of the sidewalls and configured to deform when a pressure is applied to secure an object within the channel. A block portion is provided within the channel.