Coupling Device for Cleaning Trolleys with Multi-Height Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning trolleys have limited variability in loading capacity and are not user-friendly or easy to maneuver, especially when navigating thresholds and varying surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two individually movable cleaning trolleys with a coupling device featuring centering elements and locking devices at different heights, allowing for a rigid and resilient connection that can be easily engaged and disengaged, enabling easy movement over thresholds and surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cleaning trolleys are coupled using simple coupling elements, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and rigidity of the connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical dimension with locking elements at different heights (first locking element at first height, second locking element at second height) to create a three-dimensional coupling structure. This multi-level arrangement provides rigid connection in multiple directions while maintaining simple horizontal pushing motion for coupling, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is segmented into multiple independent functional elements: centering elements for alignment, locking elements at different heights for stability, and locking devices for securing. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally while keeping the overall coupling process simple and intuitive.
2Quantity of substance
If cleaning trolleys are coupled to increase loading capacity, then the quantity of substance is improved, but the ease of maneuvering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates dynamic elements including spring pre-tensioning that automatically adjusts to maintain optimal connection force, and movable locking devices that can be easily actuated. This dynamic design allows the coupled trolleys to adapt to different loading conditions while maintaining ease of maneuvering through simple threshold crossings.
3Reliability
If locking devices are pre-tensioned to ensure secure connection, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking devices are pre-tensioned in the locking position using spring elements before actual use. This preliminary action ensures that the locking elements are already engaged and pre-loaded, providing immediate reliable connection when trolleys are coupled, while the manual release mechanism remains simple and intuitive for easy operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling device on cleaning trolleys for connecting a first individually movable cleaning trolley (12) with a second individually movable cleaning trolley (14) comprises at least one recess (22, 28) on one side of the first cleaning trolley (12); and at least one centering element (48, 50) engaging positively in each of the at least one recess (22, 28) on one side of the second cleaning trolley (14); as well as a first locking element (38) arranged at a first height and a second locking element (32) arranged at a second height on one side of the first or second cleaning trolley; and a first locking device (52) arranged at the first height and a second locking device (58) arranged at the second height on one side of the other cleaning trolley;wherein the first locking device (52) is functionally coupled to the second locking device (58), and the first and second locking devices (52, 58) are biased into a locking position and can be moved manually into a release position by a user.