Collapsible Cart Hinge Mechanism for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage carts lack the ability to efficiently fold and collapse for easy storage and transportation while maintaining stability and functionality for item organization and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible cart design featuring a rectangular base with corner hinges, upright frame assemblies, and a top frame that folds flat, equipped with wheels or casters for mobility and optional attachments like baskets or storage envelopes for organization, allowing it to be used as a portable cart or wagon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cart is designed to be collapsible for easy storage and transportation, then the storage space requirement is reduced, but the structural stability and strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cart frame is divided into multiple segments (base, upright frames, top frame) connected by hinges, allowing each segment to be independently positioned. This segmentation enables the cart to collapse into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, as each hinge connection point is designed to bear appropriate loads in the assembled state.
Solution Approach 2:
The cart employs dynamic hinge connections that allow the structure to transition between assembled and collapsed states. The hinges are designed with specific orientation and positioning to provide mechanical stability when the cart is assembled for use, while enabling easy folding and collapsing when needed for storage or transportation.
2Volume of moving object
If the cart is designed to fold flat for compact storage, then the storage space is reduced, but the ease of operation for assembly and disassembly may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assemblies are pre-configured in specific orientations during manufacturing, with pivot points and connection points positioned to facilitate intuitive assembly. The upright frame assemblies are pre-formed with hinge mounting points that align with corresponding points on the base and top frame, allowing users to assemble the cart by simply connecting pre-positioned components without complex alignment procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the cart includes mobility features like wheels or casters, then the ease of movement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheels or casters are integrated directly into the base structure of the cart, merging the mobility function with the supporting base. This combination eliminates the need for separate wheel assemblies or additional mounting mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of movement. The base is designed to inherently support the weight and movement requirements with the wheels as built-in components.
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 easy storage and transportation while maintaining stability and functionality, accommodating various items and uses such as tailgating, outdoor events, or indoor activities with the ability to fold and unfold as needed.
Implementation Method 1
hinge assemblies disposed at each corner region, hinged upright frame assemblies having a lower end rotatably connected to the hinge assemblies at the base
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a collapsible cart which has a substantially rectangular base comprising four side regions, four corner regions and hinge assemblies disposed at each corner region, hinged upright frame assemblies having a lower end rotatably connected to the hinge assemblies at the base, and an open top frame having hinge assemblies at each corner region rotatably connected to an upper end of the hinged upright frame assemblies. The base, upright and top frame hinge assemblies are all oriented so the upright frame assemblies can fold along the side regions of the cart when the collapsible cart is folded flat. In one particular embodiment, the base and top frame are square. A basket for storing a variety of items may be attached to the collapsible cart. The collapsible cart may also have wheels or casters on the base to permit easy movement of the collapsible cart.