Shopping Basket Caster Mount for Tool-Free Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shopping basket designs face difficulties in caster replacement and maintenance due to connection mechanisms that require specialized labor and tools, leading to potential damage to the monobloc structure.
Innovation Solution
A detachable attachment subsystem for casters, comprising a pair of parallel rails and a clip with a resilient projection, allows for easy manual attachment and detachment without damaging the shopping basket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If press-fit connection mechanism is used to attach casters to the monobloc base, then the structural integrity of the monobloc structure is maintained, but caster replacement and maintenance become difficult requiring specialized labor and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into separate components: a connection element with a stem that fits into a hole in the monobloc base, and a caster base with a corresponding receptacle. This segmentation allows the caster to be attached and detached as a separate unit without compromising the integrity of the monobloc base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is extracted from the monobloc base as a separate attachable component rather than being permanently integrated. The connection element can be inserted into the base hole and then the caster base is attached to the connection element, allowing easy removal and replacement without damaging the base.
2Ease of repair
If specialized tools are used for caster removal, then complete caster replacement is achieved, but the operation becomes more expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through a simple press-fit connection that can be inserted and removed by hand or with basic tools. The stem of the connection element fits into the hole and can be pushed in or pulled out without requiring specialized equipment, enabling store staff to perform maintenance themselves.
3Strength
If press-fit connection is used, then initial attachment is secure, but improper removal may cause irreversible damage to the monobloc structure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is pre-formed with a stem dimensioned to fit into a corresponding hole in the monobloc base. This preliminary preparation ensures that the connection can be securely attached by simply pushing the stem into the hole, and later removed by pulling it out, without requiring force that could damage the base structure.
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
Facilitates caster replacement and maintenance without specialized tools, preserving the monobloc structure integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The clip (5) comprises a resilient projection (7), which is arranged transversely with respect to the pair of rails (4) and is configured for detachable fixation with the caster base (6)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a shopping basket comprising a monobloc structure made of plastic material including side walls (1) and a basket base (2), which includes on its underside at least two detachable attachment subsystems for a caster (3). Each said detachable attachment subsystem for a caster (3) comprises a pair of rails, which are arranged in parallel to each other, and at least one clip, which are configured for detachable attachment with a caster base including a wheel (19). In preferred embodiments, the shopping basket comprises a carrying handle (14) and handle holes (16). The detachable attachment subsystems for a caster (3) allow the attachment and detachment of casters to be manually performed by a user, without causing damage to the monobloc structure of the shopping basket during caster replacement.