Extendable Sled Mechanism for Stair Luggage Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wheeled luggage designs are inadequate for navigating vertical obstacles like stairs and curbs, as they require excessive energy to lift or drag, potentially causing damage and user injury, and often lack convenient alternatives like escalators or elevators.
Innovation Solution
An extendable sled device integrated with luggage, deployable via a foot pedal mechanism, which can be locked into position to facilitate smooth traversal of stairs and curbs, featuring adjustable angles and stopper mechanisms to prevent luggage from sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wheeled luggage is used to transport over flat surfaces, then ease of operation is improved, but the device cannot navigate vertical obstacles like stairs and curbs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing a transformable sled device that can change its configuration between a stored state (flush with luggage exterior) and a deployed state (extended to contact stairs/curbs). The sled includes movable components such as an extendable body with segments that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the device to adapt its shape and function dynamically based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled device is segmented into multiple functional components: a sled body with first and second segments, a pedal mechanism, stopper elements, and articulation joints. These segments can move independently or relative to each other, enabling the sled to extend, articulate, and configure itself for navigating vertical obstacles while maintaining a compact form when stored on the luggage.
2Reliability
If an individual pulls luggage vertically up stairs, then the luggage can clear each step, but excessive energy is required and it becomes tiresome
Solution Approach 1:
The sled device acts as an intermediary between the luggage and the stairs/curbs. Instead of the user directly pulling the luggage vertically up each step, the sled extends to contact the stairs first, providing a mechanical interface that redistributes the lifting action. The sled's placement on stairs creates a stable base that reduces the force required by the user to move the luggage upward.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled device creates an equipotential surface by extending its body to contact multiple stair steps simultaneously or in sequence. This allows the luggage to be moved along a more gradual incline rather than being lifted vertically against gravity at each step, effectively reducing the energy expenditure required by the user.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an individual drags luggage along while walking up stairs, then less energy is required, but the luggage slams into each step causing damage and impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The sled device provides beforehand cushioning by positioning its body between the luggage and the stairs/curbs before contact occurs. The sled's padded or compliant surface absorbs and distributes impact forces, preventing direct slamming of the luggage onto hard stair edges. This protective function occurs in advance of the potential damage event.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled device converts the potentially harmful impact forces into beneficial mechanical action. When the sled contacts stairs or curbs, the impact force that would otherwise damage the luggage is instead used to push the sled forward and upward, propelling the luggage along the vertical obstacle. The stopper elements further convert impact into controlled stopping force.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an extendable sled device is deployed to navigate stairs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sled device merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the sled body, pedal mechanism, stopper elements, and articulation components are combined into one device that attaches to the luggage. This consolidation provides the complexity benefits of a multifunctional system while avoiding the need for separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled device employs self-service mechanisms including a pedal-actuated extension system where user pressure on the pedal automatically triggers sled deployment, and spring-loaded or gravity-assisted retraction that automatically returns the sled to its stored position when not in use. These self-service features reduce the operational complexity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable sled device for transporting luggage or other bulky objects up sets of stairs with less effort. The extendable sled device is integrated with, or attached to, the object being transported. The extendable sled device has an extendable sled controlled by an extension mechanism. The extendable sled is lowered by the extension mechanism when in use, and retracted when not in use. The extendable sled can also have one or more stopper mechanisms, which are used to arrest the luggage on a set of stairs if a user accidently releases the luggage midway up the flight. The stopper mechanisms prevent the luggage from falling back down the steps and potentially injuring people.