Compact Mechanic Creeper with Angled Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional creepers for working under motor vehicles face issues with stability and maneuverability due to small swivel wheels being easily obstructed and large swivel wheels requiring a larger footprint, which can make them unstable and difficult to use, especially under heavy objects.
Innovation Solution
A compact mechanic's creeper with an elongate body featuring a pair of large angled wheels positioned at the bottom and a small swiveling wheel at the top, allowing for improved stability and maneuverability by distributing weight effectively and providing a low center of gravity, along with a protective superstructure for safety under heavy objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If small swivel wheels are used on the creeper, then the creeper can be maneuvered easily, but the wheels are easily obstructed by cracks in the floor or debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the size parameter of the wheels from small to large (at least 6 inches in diameter) to resolve the contradiction. Larger wheels are less susceptible to obstruction by floor cracks and debris while maintaining maneuverability through the creeper's overall design configuration
2Reliability
If large swivel wheels are used on the creeper, then the wheels are less easily obstructed, but the creeper requires a greater footprint and becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wheel configuration into two distinct types: two large fixed wheels at the rear for stability and obstruction resistance, and one or more smaller swivel wheels at the front for maneuverability. This segmentation allows each wheel type to perform its optimal function without compromising overall stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the large fixed wheels at the rear exterior edges of the creeper body, utilizing the vertical dimension and rear positioning to create a stable base that supports the occupant's weight while preventing lateral tipping, thus resolving the stability issue associated with large wheels
3Reliability
If large swivel wheels are used on the creeper, then the wheels are less easily obstructed, but the creeper is raised above the ground making it unstable and reducing clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wheel functions by using large fixed wheels specifically for obstruction resistance while keeping the creeper body low to the ground, and uses smaller swivel wheels for maneuvering. This segmentation allows the large wheels to be positioned where they provide obstruction resistance without necessarily raising the entire creeper body height
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wheel configuration from uniformly large swivel wheels to a mixed configuration with large fixed wheels and smaller swivel wheels, allowing the creeper to achieve obstruction resistance without the penalty of increased overall height and reduced ground clearance
Data Source
AI summary
A compact mechanic?s creeper comprising an elongate body comprising a back rest portion and a head rest portion, a pair of ground contacting wheels, one of each of the wheels on either side of the back rest portion, each of the wheels rotating about a respective fixed axis of rotation positioned substantially at a right angle to a length of the elongate body and a ground contacting swivel towards a top end of the elongate body. When a user lies supine on the creeper with his head on the head rest portion, an upper edge of the pair of wheels are positioned on either side and substantially at a level of the user?s hips. In a particular embodiment the respective fixed axes of rotation are at an angle to one another and meet at a point above a center of the back rest portion.