Collapsible Product Mover Pivoting Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retail warehouses face space limitations and the need for flexible, portable automation equipment that can efficiently sort and move products while maintaining high load capacity and resistance to bending under cantilever loading.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible product mover system with a pivoting design and two-point hinge mechanism, allowing for easy storage and deployment, featuring a hinged truss support structure and mechanical stops to enhance load-bearing capacity and kinematic motion, enabling efficient product transfer and sorting in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a collapsible product mover with pivoting design is used, then space efficiency and flexibility are improved, but load capacity and resistance to bending under cantilever loading may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The product mover is divided into multiple segments or sections that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to collapse into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining structural integrity when deployed, resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and load-bearing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The product mover employs dynamic pivoting joints that allow the structure to transition between extended and collapsed states. When in the extended state for product movement, the structure provides adequate strength; when collapsed, it minimizes floor space. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between static strength requirements and space efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a collapsible product mover with pivoting design is used, then flexibility and ease of storage are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated components. The pivoting mechanism is combined with the structural support elements, eliminating the need for separate complex articulation systems. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the desired flexibility and adaptability for storage and deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting joints serve multiple functions: they enable the collapsing motion for storage, provide structural support during operation, and allow for easy deployment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while enhancing versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments and features of a product moving system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a collapsible product mover comprises a first portion having proximal and distal end, and a top side and a bottom side; a second portion having a proximal and distal end, and a top side and a bottom side, wherein the proximal end of the second portion coupled with the distal end of the first portion; and a support structure beneath at least the first portion; wherein the first and second portions are configured to move between an open position and a folded position, wherein in the folded position the top side of the first portion faces the top side of the second portion.