Reversible Coupling Mechanism for Cleaning Trolleys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupling devices for cleaning trolleys are limited by being irreversible, difficult to operate, and unsuitable for heavy modules, leading to customer reluctance due to unwieldiness and cumbersome systems that do not adapt to varying cleaning needs.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device featuring a male and female element with a movable part that allows for easy, reversible connection and disconnection of trolleys, accommodating misalignment and varying wheel diameters, with self-centering and safety features to prevent accidental disconnection, enabling flexible configuration without limiting maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional modules are fixed and irreversibly attached to the basic trolley module, then the trolley can meet increased customer needs, but the system becomes inflexible and over-sized for sometimes-only requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs a dynamic connection system where the lever can move between a locked position (securing the additional module) and an unlocked position (releasing it). This dynamic mechanism allows the trolley configuration to change from fixed to flexible based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between meeting increased requirements and maintaining system flexibility.
2Strength
If protruding pins are used to solidly insert into bushes for connecting additional modules, then a secure connection is achieved, but the operator must completely lift the module off the floor to insert the pin
Solution Approach 1:
The lever-based coupling device allows the connection to be made with the module resting on the floor. The lever can be manipulated to engage or disengage the connection without requiring complete lifting of the heavy module, thus maintaining strong connection while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the connection pins. By operating the lever, the operator indirectly controls the engagement and disengagement of the connection, avoiding the need to directly handle and position pins while the module is being connected or disconnected.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connection in a single body of two trolleys is made, then seamless operation is achieved, but maneuverability is lost when encountering floor level differences
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device creates a stable yet dynamic connection. The lever locks the trolleys together for stable operation during normal use, but can be quickly released to allow independent movement when floor level differences are encountered, thus maintaining both stability and maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into separable components (coupling device with lever, connection pins, bushes) rather than being a rigid monolithic structure. This segmentation allows the trolleys to be connected for stable operation when needed, while enabling easy separation to navigate floor level variations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional equipment is purchased to meet varying cleaning requirements, then complete functionality is achieved, but the system becomes unwieldy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device enables a dynamic configuration where additional modules can be attached when needed for complete functionality, then detached when not required, preventing the system from becoming permanently unwieldy. The lever mechanism makes this attachment/detachment process simple and quick.
Data Source
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AI summary
This is a device for coupling cleaning trolleys (1) consisting of a male element (5) and a female element (6), and when each element (5,6) is fixed on a different trolley (1) they connect the trolleys (1) together in a simple, safe and practical way, and are equally simple to disconnect.