Amphibious Utility Wagon with Segmented Flotation and Collapsible Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amphibious and collapsible utility wagons lack the ability to efficiently transport items from a boat to the shore and then roll along the beach surface, requiring a device that can float, fold, and be easily towed both on water and land, while also being compact for storage.
Innovation Solution
A floatable and collapsible wagon with a waterproof canvas covering and flotation material in its compartment, supported by a wheeled frame assembly that can be folded for storage, allowing it to be towed on water and rolled on land, featuring a pull cord for user operation and adjustable anti-folding braces for structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wagon is designed to float on water, then it can transport items from boat to shore, but it increases weight and reduces maneuverability on land
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation system is segmented into multiple independent flotation devices attached to different parts of the wagon frame, allowing the water transport function to be added without requiring a complete redesign of the entire structure. This modular approach minimizes the weight increase while achieving amphibious capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wagon is designed with universal functionality to operate in both water and land environments. The same wheeled frame structure serves both as a land vehicle and as a support for flotation devices, eliminating the need for separate water and land transport devices and reducing overall system weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the wagon frame is made rigid for structural support, then it provides stability, but it increases manufacturing cost and reduces portability
Solution Approach 1:
The frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure that can change its configuration. The frame includes collapsible sides that can be folded inward, allowing the wagon to be easily stored or transported when not in use, while maintaining full structural stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates flexible or semi-flexible components that can bend and fold without compromising structural integrity. This allows the rigid support function to be maintained during use while enabling compact folding for storage, reducing both manufacturing complexity and portability issues.
3Volume of moving object
If the wagon includes a collapsible covering, then it reduces storage space, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The covering is made from a single flexible waterproof material that can be folded and collapsed without requiring complex mechanical joints or fastening mechanisms. The flexibility of the material itself provides the collapsing capability, significantly reducing device complexity while achieving compact storage volume.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the wagon is designed to be towed on both water and land, then it increases versatility, but it requires additional components increasing weight
Solution Approach 1:
The pull cord mechanism serves dual functionality for both water and land towing operations. The same simple cord and attachment system used for pulling the wagon through water also works for towing it on land, eliminating the need for separate towing mechanisms and minimizing additional weight.
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
Enables efficient transportation of items from a boat to the shore, compact storage, and easy operation by allowing the device to float on water and roll on land, while being cost-effective and portable.
Implementation Method 1
flotation material made in two pieces which is disposed in the bottom of the compartment-like portion
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for a floatable and collapsible cart having a storage compartment formed by a framed assembly with waterproof material mounted thereon. Floatation material is disposed in the bottom of the storage compartment and front and rear ground contacting wheels are provided below and in line with the opposite sides of the storage compartment which may be converted between a folded position and an unfolded position. Objects may be loaded into the storage compartment and pulled by a user on the surface of the water between a boat and the seashore and then rolled along the seashore. A pull cord is provided for pulling the wagon.