Child Dolly Carousel Locking Arm Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dolly configurations lack a reliable mechanism to lock child dolly carousels when separated from parent dollies, making it difficult to maneuver child dollies, especially when loaded with parts.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly comprising a locking arm mounted to the child dolly and a ramp on the parent dolly, which automatically engages to prevent rotation of the child dolly carousel as it is removed from the parent dolly, using a biased contact portion that transitions from an unlocked to a locked position based on gravity and the ramp's slope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the child dolly is separated from the parent dolly, then the child dolly can be maneuvered independently, but the child dolly carousel becomes unstable and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is pre-positioned and automatically engages with the carousel before the child dolly is fully separated from the parent dolly. This preliminary locking action prevents the carousel from becoming unstable during the separation process, allowing the child dolly to be maneuvered independently while maintaining carousel stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm serves as an intermediary mechanism between the child dolly frame and the carousel. It transfers the stabilizing force from the parent dolly to the carousel during separation, enabling independent maneuverability while preventing carousel rotation or instability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the carousel, then the carousel stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is merged with the existing child dolly frame structure, utilizing the same support frame and mounting mechanisms. This integration approach secures the carousel without adding separate complex locking systems, thereby maintaining stability while minimizing increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm automatically engages and disengages based on the relative positions of the child dolly and parent dolly, utilizing gravity and mechanical biasing. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators, control systems, or manual operation, reducing complexity while maintaining reliable carousel securing.
3Ease of operation
If the locking arm automatically engages during removal, then the locking process is automated and easier to operate, but the mechanism requires precise geometric alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm and carousel engagement features are pre-configured with appropriate clearances and geometric relationships during manufacturing. This preliminary precision setup ensures that as the child dolly is removed from the parent dolly, the locking arm automatically engages the carousel without requiring high-precision real-time alignment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes changes in geometric parameters (positions, angles, clearances) as the child dolly moves relative to the parent dolly. These parameter changes enable the locking arm to transition from a disengaged to an engaged state automatically, reducing the need for extremely precise alignment during dynamic operation while maintaining reliable locking.
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 secure and automatic locking of the child dolly carousel, allowing for easier movement of the child dolly in and out of the parent dolly's truck-receiving volume and independent movement without external power, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using a biased contact portion that transitions from an unlocked to a locked position based on gravity and the ramp's slope
Data Source
AI summary
A dolly assembly includes a parent dolly including a support frame that defines a truck-receiving volume. A child dolly includes a support frame that is sized to be received within the truck-receiving volume. The child dolly includes a child dolly carousel. The parent dolly and the child dolly together include a locking assembly including a locking arm that prevents rotation of the child dolly carousel in a locked position.