Collapsible Cart Cable Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible beach carts typically require two hands to open and close, and often fail to lock into an open configuration, making them difficult to use when carrying other items and prone to collapse when loaded or used on sandy surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible cart assembly with a mirrored set of brackets supporting four frame sections, featuring slides and linkages that can be locked into place using a tensioned cable mechanism, allowing for one-handed operation and secure locking in an open configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking linkage arms with rivet hinge connections are used to hold the cart open, then the cart can be kept open during use, but the linkage arms are difficult to manipulate manually and may fail to lock properly when sandy or corroded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linkage arm system with rivet hinge connections with a cable-driven locking mechanism. The cable tensioning system uses a winch and drum assembly to create reliable locking action through tension, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of linkage arms and their associated problems with sand intrusion and corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary element between the user's manual input (turning the winch) and the locking action on the frame sections. This cable intermediary transmits force efficiently and allows for precise control of the locking mechanism, improving both reliability and ease of operation compared to direct mechanical linkages.
2Reliability
If traditional two-handed operation is required to open and close the cart, then the locking mechanism can be operated, but the user cannot carry other items and elderly or disabled persons cannot use it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the cable tensioning system automatically maintains locking force. Once the winch is turned to tension the cable, the system self-maintains the locked position through the tension stored in the cable and drum assembly, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention or two-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for two-handed manual manipulation with a cable-driven system operated by a single hand on the winch. This substitution transforms a complex two-handed mechanical operation into a simple single-handed rotational input, making the cart accessible to elderly and disabled persons while maintaining secure locking.
3Ease of operation
If the cart appears fully open but is not properly locked, then it may seem functional, but it collapses when loaded or pushed forcefully across sand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through the cable tensioning system. The winch and drum assembly provide tactile feedback to the user as the cable tensions, allowing the user to know when proper locking force has been achieved. This feedback ensures the cart is genuinely locked before use, preventing the problem of appearing open but actually collapsed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent requires preliminary action of tensioning the cable through the winch before the cart can be reliably used. This preliminary locking action ensures the frame sections are securely held in place before any loading or movement occurs, preventing collapse during use while maintaining ease of deployment through a simple winch operation.
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 one-handed opening and closing of the cart, ensuring it remains locked in an open state, reducing the effort required for deployment and preventing accidental collapse when loaded or used on uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
A manually operable cable tensioner is disposed on the handle section that pulls the cable in tension and releases the locking mechanism
Implementation Method 2
Slides are disposed on the first set of frame elements. The slides can reciprocally move along the first set of frame elements between a first position and a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible cart assembly having a framework with two brackets. The two brackets have first arms, second arms and third arms. A rear leg frame section is rigidly affixed to the first arms. A front leg frame section that is pivotably connected to the second arms. A handle frame section is pivotably connected to the third arms of the brackets. Slides are disposed on the rear leg frame section. A first set of linkages connect the slides to the front leg frame section. A second set of linkages connect the slides to the handle frame section. The slides and linkages move the front leg frame the handle frame between an open configuration and a closed configuration.