Reconfigurable Cargo Hull With Angle-Activated Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manual transportation devices lack versatility and efficiency in adapting to different terrains and modes of transport, such as sliding or rolling, while maintaining a flexible cargo capacity.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable transportation device with a first and second hull that can slideably couple to form extended and retracted positions, equipped with wheels that engage or disengage based on orientation, and a flexible tether for multiple modes of transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional manual transportation devices are used, then they are simple in structure, but they lack versatility and efficiency in adapting to different terrains and modes of transport
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation device incorporates a telescopic hull structure that allows dynamic adjustment of length between extended and retracted positions. The wheels are designed to dynamically engage or disengage from the underlying surface based on the vessel's orientation, enabling adaptation between sliding and rolling modes of transport across different terrains.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple transport functions into a single system: it can slide across snow and ice, roll on wheels on firm ground, and be configured as a backpack when the hull is retracted. The same hull and wheel assembly serves all these different modes of transport, eliminating the need for separate devices for each terrain type.
2Productivity
If the vessel uses wheels that contact the underlying surface, then it can roll efficiently on firm ground, but it cannot slide on snow or ice
Solution Approach 1:
The wheels are designed with dynamic contact characteristics - they contact the underlying surface when the vessel is oriented at an acute angle for rolling on firm ground, and they become free of contact when the vessel is parallel to the surface, enabling sliding on snow or ice. This dynamic engagement/disengagement allows the same wheel assembly to serve both rolling and sliding functions.
3Quantity of substance
If the hull is extended for maximum cargo capacity, then it can transport more cargo, but it cannot be used as a backpack
Solution Approach 1:
The hull is divided into two telescopic sections that can slide relative to each other. When extended, the sections are apart to maximize cargo volume. When retracted, the sections are nested together to minimize the overall size and weight, enabling the device to be carried as a backpack while maintaining the same hull structure for both configurations.
4Productivity
If the vessel is designed for sliding on snow and ice, then it can move efficiently on snow or ice, but it cannot roll on firm ground
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates both sliding and rolling capabilities into a single transportation system. The same hull and wheel assembly enables the vessel to slide on snow or ice when oriented parallel to the surface, and to roll on firm ground when oriented at an acute angle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices dedicated to each terrain type.
Data Source
AI summary
A vessel for transporting cargo has a first hull and a second hull that are slidably coupled together to be movable between an extended position and a retracted position that is shorter in length. Wheels are coupled to the vessel. The wheels can contact an underlying surface of the vessel when the vessel is oriented at an acute angle relative to the underlying surface. The wheels are free of contact with the underlying surface when the vessel is parallel or substantially parallel to the underlying surface.