Collapsible Wheel Assembly with Pivoting Axles for Compact Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel assemblies for heavy or large products are cumbersome and costly for shipping due to their rigid design, requiring separate packaging and reattachment, which is time-consuming and can damage the product.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible wheel assembly with pivotally connected axles and slideable wheels that can be easily transformed between expanded and compact positions, allowing for efficient transportation and shipping while attached to the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid wheel assembly is used to support heavy loads, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the shipping cost and complexity increase due to the need for separate packaging and reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The axles are designed to pivot relative to the base, allowing the assembly to collapse into a compact configuration for shipping and expand to a functional configuration for use. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the same structure to accommodate both heavy loads during use and compact packaging during shipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly is divided into separable components including the base, axles, and wheels that can move independently relative to each other. The axles are detachably connected to the base, allowing the assembly to be segmented for compact storage and reassembled for use. This segmentation enables the structure to reduce shipping complexity while maintaining load-bearing capacity when assembled.
2Volume of moving object
If wheels are detached and shipped separately to reduce size, then the shipping volume is reduced, but the time and cost for reattachment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is pre-configured with pivotally connected axles and slideable wheels that maintain their relative positions and alignment features. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid reassembly by simply pivoting the axles into place and sliding the wheels onto the axles, eliminating the need for complex alignment and attachment procedures during reattachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivot connection allows the axles to be quickly rotated into the correct position for wheel attachment. This dynamic mechanism replaces time-consuming fastening operations with a simple pivoting motion, significantly reducing reattachment time while maintaining the volume reduction benefit during shipping.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the axle extends sufficiently beyond the product boundaries to provide stability, then the stability is improved, but the overall size and shipping cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The axle is designed with pivotal connection to the base, allowing it to extend beyond the product boundaries when in the functional expanded position to provide stability during use. During shipping, the axle can be pivoted to a collapsed position within the product boundaries, reducing the overall shipping volume. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between stability and shipping volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle transitions between dimensions by pivoting from an extended position (providing stability) to a collapsed position (reducing volume). This dimensional change allows the same axle to satisfy both stability requirements during use and compact packaging requirements during shipping without increasing overall shipping volume.
4Productivity
If the wheel assembly is designed to be collapsible for compact shipping, then the shipping efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the assembly mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible wheel assembly uses simple pivot connections between the axles and base, and slideable wheel mounts on the axles. These dynamic but mechanically simple features enable compact collapsing for shipping without requiring complex mechanisms, thereby improving shipping efficiency while maintaining relatively low assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is segmented into modular components (base, axles, wheels) with simple connection interfaces. Each segment can independently move or detach, allowing compact collapsing through simple relative movements rather than complex mechanisms. This segmentation achieves high shipping efficiency with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly and a method of using the wheel assembly are provided. The wheel assembly is attachable to various objects and capable of quickly and easily collapsing or folding to become more compact for more efficient and cost-effective transportation or shipping. It is then capable of being quickly and easily expanded.