Extendable Transport Link with Roller Brake for Appliance Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transport devices for washing machines and household appliances are prone to shifting, slipping, and damage due to their metal frame design, which can lead to instability and require laborious adjustment and multiple operators for proper use, and the rollers can move during operation, risking the appliance's fall.
Innovation Solution
A transport device comprising two extendable links with U-shaped profiles and roller devices that allow the rollers to be raised or lowered to immobilize the appliance, preventing floor contact and ensuring stability, allowing single-operator use and easy adaptation to various appliance sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal frame is used to support the appliance, then the support base can bear heavy loads, but the frame may shift during use due to shaking, causing the appliance to slide off or the support base to be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device is divided into separate functional components: a support base for load bearing and four independent roller units with individual brakes. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the base provides strength while the braked rollers prevent shifting, resolving the contradiction between load capacity and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Brake pads are introduced as intermediary elements between the rollers and the support base. These brake pads can be engaged or disengaged to control the rollers, preventing the appliance from sliding off during operation while maintaining the structural integrity of the metal frame for heavy load support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the appliance is not placed correctly on the support base, then the sides of the base could bend downwards, rendering the conveyor unusable and damaging the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The support base incorporates adjustable-length sides that can be extended or retracted to match different appliance dimensions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the base to adapt to various appliance sizes while maintaining proper support geometry, preventing structural bending and floor damage even when transporting different types of appliances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the length of each side of the support base is not precisely adjusted to match the dimensions of the appliance, then the operator must remove the appliance and reposition the screws, which is laborious and requires several people
Solution Approach 1:
The sides of the support base are designed with pre-marked positioning points and guide features that indicate correct screw placement locations for different appliance sizes. This preliminary preparation allows operators to quickly adjust the side lengths by simply moving screws to predetermined positions without complex measurements or trial-and-error, making the adjustment process simple and suitable for single-operator use.
4Reliability
If two brake pads with an eccentric mechanism are used to immobilize the castors, then the castors can be held in place, but when moving a washing machine during use, these castors are also displaced, causing the washing machine to fall off the support base
Solution Approach 1:
Each of the four corners of the support base is equipped with an independent roller unit with its own brake mechanism, rather than using a centralized braking system. This localized braking arrangement allows individual rollers to be braked or released as needed, providing precise control over immobilization while enabling easy movement during transport without affecting the entire structure.
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 device provides stable and secure transport of washing machines and other appliances by preventing shifting and damage, enabling easy installation and operation with minimal labor, and protecting the floor from damage.
Implementation Method 1
roller devices that allow the rollers to be raised or lowered to immobilize the appliance, preventing floor contact and ensuring stability
Data Source
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AI summary
A link with a braking device is provided on the front section (5) of the link, which consists of rollers (7, 8) and a handle (4), wherein when the handle is pulled outwards, the rollers (7, 8) are lowered and slide forwards/backwards on the floor so that the link can be moved.Furthermore, a transport device (1) for washing machines is provided, which consists of two identical extendable sections (2, 2') and is characterized in that when the handles (4, 4') are pulled forward, the rollers of the front sections (5, 5') of the sections (2, 2') are raised and the plastic feet (11, 11') of the front sections (5, 5') of the sections (2, 2') are placed on the ground, so that the sections (2, 2') are immobilized with the washing machine (3) or another device/object to be transported lying on the transport device (1), wherein the rollers (9, 10, 9', 10') of the rear sections (6, 6') remain permanently on the ground without being raised. Furthermore, uses of the links (2, 2') and the transport device (1), a method for transporting goods and a device with existing links (2, 2') or the transport device (1) are also provided.