Removable Support Bars for Dolly Capacity and Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dollies face limitations in capacity when handling larger loads, leading to potential instability and damage during transport.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an accessory system comprising an upper support bar and a lower support bar, removably attached to the dolly frame, which allows for increased stacking capacity by providing additional support for loads, enabling the dolly to carry larger volumes while maintaining maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dolly frame width is kept narrow (14-18 inches) for maneuverability and storage, then the dolly can navigate passageways and store in limited space, but the dolly capacity is limited and cannot handle larger loads
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly system transitions from a static fixed-width frame to a dynamic configuration by adding removable support bars that can be attached or detached based on load requirements. The support bars extend the effective loading width dynamically, allowing the dolly to adapt between narrow (for maneuverability) and wide (for capacity) configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading support structure is segmented into the base frame and removable support bars. This segmentation allows the support capacity to be divided and expanded independently from the frame width, enabling capacity increase without permanently increasing the frame's maneuverability constraints.
2Quantity of substance
If vertical frame extensions are added to increase stacking height, then goods can be stacked higher, but the device complexity increases and the dolly becomes less maneuverable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of permanently extending the frame vertically, the system uses removable support bars that can be positioned at different heights and attached only when increased stacking capacity is needed. This dynamic approach avoids the permanent complexity of extended frame structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking support function is extracted from the main frame structure and implemented as separate, removable support bars. This extraction allows the frame to remain simple and maneuverable while providing extended stacking capability when required.
3Productivity
If the dolly is tipped backward for transport, then the load can be moved efficiently, but load instability can cause boxes to tumble and damage goods
Solution Approach 1:
The support bars are pre-positioned and attached to the frame before loading, creating a stable support structure in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the dolly is tipped for transport, the load is already secured against instability, preventing tumbling during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bars provide beforehand structural reinforcement that cushions against the instability that would otherwise occur during tipping and transport, preventing load failure before it happens.
Data Source
AI summary
A dolly for transporting goods. The dolly includes a frame, a wheel assembly mounted on the frame, and a baseplate extending from the frame. The baseplate has a horizontal portion extending forward from the frame and a vertical portion extending upward from the horizontal portion. The dolly includes a handgrip attached to the frame for maneuvering the dolly and an upper support bar removably attached to and extending laterally across the frame at a pre-determined height above the baseplate. The upper support bar having a length greater than the width of the frame. The dolly includes a lower support bar removably attached to and extending laterally across the vertical portion of the baseplate. The lower support bar has a length greater than the width of the baseplate.