Battery-Powered Dolly for Cable-Free Stage Equipment Movement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dollies for transporting lighting equipment on stages face challenges such as space constraints, trip hazards from power cables, and the need to disconnect and reconnect electrical equipment during movement, which is time-consuming and disrupts power supply.

Innovation Solution

A dolly with a built-in battery that powers electrical equipment, featuring secure attachment points and wheels that allow simultaneous movement and power supply without cables, along with wireless DMX control for easy maneuverability and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power cables are run between power sockets and electrical equipment, then electrical equipment can be powered, but trip hazards are created and space is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidtrip hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power source (battery) from its traditional fixed location (power socket) and integrates it directly into the mobile dolly platform. This eliminates the need for power cables connecting external power sources to electrical equipment, thereby removing trip hazards while maintaining reliable power supply to equipment on the dolly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If portable batteries are moved to locations near electrical equipment, then power can be provided, but more space is required and trip hazards remain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower source mobilityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the battery with the dolly platform into a single integrated unit. The battery is mounted on the platform and moves together with the electrical equipment, eliminating the need for separate battery placement and reducing the total space required compared to having both equipment and battery as separate movable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If electrical equipment and power sources are moved separately, then flexibility is maintained, but time is lost and power supply may be interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement flexibilityVSAvoidtime to relocate equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the battery into the dolly platform, the system enables simultaneous movement of both power source and electrical equipment as a single unit. This eliminates the time-consuming process of disconnecting, moving, and reconnecting equipment separately, while maintaining the flexibility to relocate the entire system as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If electrical equipment is placed on the dolly platform, then space is saved, but equipment may fall off during movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidequipment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates attachment points (such as ropes, straps, or mechanical fasteners) on the dolly platform that can secure electrical equipment before movement begins. This preliminary securing action prevents equipment from falling off during transport while maintaining space efficiency by keeping equipment on the platform rather than requiring separate storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The dolly provides safe, space-efficient, and uninterrupted power to electrical equipment, enabling simultaneous movement and secure attachment, reducing trip hazards and improving portability and safety on stages.

Implementation Method 1

a battery located between the wheels, the battery configured to provide electrical power to electrical equipment supported on the platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP4703237A1A dolly
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 ROBE LIGHTING SRO
  • EP4703237A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703237A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4703237A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A dolly (100) comprising a substantially planar platform (110) supported on at least three wheels (120) for movement of the platform, the dolly further comprising a battery located between the wheels, the battery configured to provide electrical power to electrical equipment supported on the platform, in use.