Cushioned Slider for Inclined Surface Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transporting devices, such as tarps, are ineffective for moving objects up and down inclined surfaces like stairs without sliding or losing control, as they lack sufficient friction and stability on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cushioned slider with a low-friction outer surface and cushioned body that conforms to the shape of inclined surfaces, creating indentations to increase friction and prevent sliding, along with securing mechanisms to hold objects in place, allows for safe and controlled transport up and down stairs and horizontal surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smooth low-friction surface is used for dragging articles across horizontal surfaces, then the ease of operation is improved, but the friction is reduced making it difficult to control on inclined surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The slider has different surface properties at different locations: the bottom surface has a low-friction smooth coating (such as polyethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene) for easy dragging across horizontal surfaces, while the top surface has a high-friction rough texture for preventing articles from sliding during transport, especially on inclined surfaces like stairs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the friction parameter by using different materials or surface treatments on different surfaces of the same device. The bottom surface uses low-friction materials to reduce resistance during dragging, while the top surface uses high-friction materials to increase grip on transported articles
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used to maintain shape and stability, then the stability is improved, but the ability to conform to inclined surfaces like stairs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slider incorporates a flexible bottom surface that can conform to irregular shapes such as stair edges and uneven terrain, while the overall device maintains sufficient structural stability through its design. The flexibility allows the bottom surface to adapt to inclined surfaces and create friction through deformation
3Reliability
If the friction between the slider and inclined surface is increased to prevent sliding, then the control is improved, but the ease of moving the slider is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The friction characteristics are localized to specific surfaces: the bottom surface maintains low friction for easy dragging motion, while the top surface provides high friction for article retention. This spatial differentiation of friction properties allows the device to be easily moved while maintaining control over transported articles
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The flexible slider provides increased control and stability when moving objects up and down stairs by enhancing friction and preventing sliding, enabling the transport of various sizes and weights across both horizontal and inclined surfaces without changing the device operation.
Implementation Method 1
The cushioning of the slider allows for the formation of indentations within the bottom outer surface at the bottom contact region of the slider, due to articles placed thereon pushing the cushioned body against the stair edges and surfaces
Implementation Method 2
The device can be particularly advantageous when ascending or descending the stairs during transport. More specifically, embodiments of the subject invention address the problem of being able to transport articles up and/or down an inclined surface
Data Source
AI summary
A slideable transport device that can be used to move articles across or over horizontal and, in particular, inclined or angled structure or surfaces. More specifically, the subject invention provides one or more embodiments of a cushioned slider, or similar device, capable of moving articles up and down an incline, such as stairs or a hill, and also across more horizontal surfaces, such as floors or ground. Embodiments of the invention include a method by which articles can be transported by dragging up or down stairs or other inclined ground.