Shopping Cart Handlebar Holder with Angled Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shopping carts lack a suitable holder for paper shopping lists or mobile phones, leading to inconvenience and existing solutions often interfere with the child seat, are complex, or not durable.
Innovation Solution
A permanently or semi-permanently attachable holder accessory with an angled platform and securing members that attach to the shopping cart's handlebar, providing a secure and non-intrusive space for both paper and mobile devices without articulation points, designed to be simple and durable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If temporarily attachable devices are used, then the holder can be brought to the store by the shopper, but the holder is not conveniently available for use without forethought
Solution Approach 1:
The holder accessory is pre-installed on the shopping cart handlebar before the shopper arrives at the store. This preliminary installation ensures the holder is already in position and ready for immediate use when the shopper needs to place their phone or paper list, eliminating the need for forethought or preparation.
2Ease of operation
If devices extend between the cart push bar and the back edge of the child seat, then the holder can be attached to the shopping cart, but the child seat becomes unusable for its purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The holder accessory is segmented into separate components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the push bar and a separate holder body that extends upward. This segmentation allows the mounting function to be separated from the child seat space, enabling the holder to be attached without interfering with child seat usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder accessory transitions from a horizontal extension that would block the child seat to a vertical orientation that extends upward from the push bar. This dimensional change allows the holder to occupy vertical space rather than horizontal space, preserving child seat accessibility while providing phone support.
3Ease of operation
If devices with articulation points are used, then the holder can be attached to the shopping cart, but the holder lacks durability
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation points and adjustment mechanisms are completely removed from the holder design. The holder uses a simple, rigid mounting bracket with fixed geometry that attaches directly to the push bar, eliminating weak points while maintaining ease of installation through straightforward attachment to the cart handlebar.
4Ease of operation
If complex devices with multiple interlocking parts are used, then the holder can be attached to the shopping cart, but the holder is costly to manufacture and not simple
Solution Approach 1:
The holder accessory merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the mounting bracket, support structure, and phone-holding surface are combined into one piece. This eliminates the need for multiple interlocking parts while maintaining ease of attachment to the shopping cart handlebar.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder accessory is designed with universal compatibility to attach to standard shopping cart handlebars while serving multiple purposes: holding phones at various orientations, providing a surface for paper lists, and maintaining cart maneuverability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A holder accessory for a handlebar of a shopping cart is provided that includes a platform and two securing members that are attachable around and aligned with a horizontal cart push bar portion and a cart transverse portion of the shopping cart handlebar. The transverse securing member provides cantilevered support for the platform, while the push bar securing member is angularly offset from and generally oriented perpendicularly from the push bar securing member to provide support against lateral forces. A stem extends from the underside of the platform to the transverse securing member to hold the platform at a suitable angle for use. Optionally, but preferably, the platform includes a lower ledge upon which a mobile phone, paper, or pen may be rested and an upper retention member to temporarily hold or fasten paper to the platform.