Angled Flange Roller Assemblies for Tubular Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tubular structures, such as cylindrical cardboard tubes, are challenging to transport due to their shape and dimensions, making them difficult to carry and maneuver.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising roller assemblies with wheels mounted to the container, allowing it to be supported on a flat surface, featuring a roller housing with angled flanges and cross braces for secure attachment and ease of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If roller assemblies are added to the container, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is divided into separate functional components: roller housing, wheels, flanges, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, reducing the perceived complexity while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously provides rolling motion, structural support, and alignment capabilities through its integrated flanges. This universal design reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing operational ease.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple roller assemblies are mounted at overlapping positions, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assemblies are positioned at asymmetric overlapping locations along the container, with each assembly slightly offset from the others. This asymmetric arrangement provides stable support distribution while avoiding the complexity of perfectly symmetric multi-assembly configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller assemblies are pre-positioned and secured to the container before use, with their overlapping positions carefully predetermined during assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures stability is achieved without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to improving transportation of tubular structures. A roller may have a housing having a vertical axis and one or more upper flanges. The one or more upper flanges may have an upper surface that is transverse and non-perpendicular to the vertical axis of the housing. Optionally, the upper surface may be curved. The roller may have one or more wheels that are rotatably coupled to the housing and that extend downward from the housing.