Cleaning Trolley Plug-In Assembly for Tool-Free Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning trolleys are not easily adaptable to different application circumstances and are difficult to modify or disassemble once assembled, limiting their flexibility and recyclability.

Innovation Solution

A plug-in system with separately produced pillars and clamping or locking devices allows for tool-free assembly and disassembly of the cleaning trolley, enabling easy adaptation and modification by users, while ensuring stability and security through non-positive and positive connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the cleaning trolley is assembled using traditional screwing or adhesive connection methods, then the structural stability and strength are improved, but the ease of disassembly and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of disassembly and adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning trolley is divided into modular components (base plate, cover plate, side walls, partition walls, pillars) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The plug-in system separates the connection mechanism into distinct plug and receptacle elements, enabling tool-free assembly while maintaining structural integrity through positive locking features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from static permanent joints (screws, adhesives) to dynamic reversible joints. The plug-in system allows the cleaning trolley to be easily reconfigured, disassembled, and reassembled multiple times while maintaining structural stability through positive locking mechanisms that provide firm connections during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the cleaning trolley is designed as a fixed structure, then the manufacturing precision and assembly simplicity are improved, but the adaptability to different application circumstances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to application circumstances
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plug-in system design allows the same basic components (base plate, cover plate, pillars) to serve multiple functions and configurations. The standardized plug and receptacle interfaces enable different side walls and partition walls to be interchangeably assembled, allowing the cleaning trolley to adapt to various application circumstances while maintaining simple manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If traditional connection methods are used, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of operation and user-friendly assembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plug-in system enables users to assemble and disassemble the cleaning trolley themselves without requiring tools or specialized skills. The design incorporates self-aligning features and intuitive plug-and-receptacle interfaces that guide users through the assembly process, making it as simple as inserting and connecting components while maintaining strong structural connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3709856B1Cleaning trolley and method of its assembly
Publication Date: 2023.02.01 CARL FREUDENBERG KG
  • EP3709856B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3709856B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3709856B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning trolley, comprising a baseplate (1), a cover plate (2) or upper frame (3) and side walls (4) and/or partition walls (5), wherein the side walls (4) and/or partition walls (5) are arranged in the vertical direction (6) between the baseplate (1) and the cover plate (2) or upper frame (3). The side walls (4) and/or partition walls (5) are each connected by means of a plug-in system (7) to the baseplate (1) and to the cover plate (2) or upper frame (3), wherein the plug-in system (7) has separately created supporting pillars (8), in relation to the baseplate (1), cover plate (2) or upper frame (3) and the side walls (4) and/or partition walls (5), wherein the supporting pillars (8) have guide grooves (9, 10) for receiving the side walls (4) and/or partition walls (5) and wherein the supporting pillars (8) are frictionally and/or interlockingly connected to the baseplate (1) and the cover plate (2) or upper frame (3).