Foldable Storage Basket With Slow-Descent Bottom Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable storage baskets on electric carts lack a buffer mechanism, leading to potential damage of steel wires and hinged connections due to instantaneous tightening when unfolded.
Innovation Solution
A foldable storage basket design incorporating a folding assembly with supporting pulling ropes and slow-descent devices, such as pneumatic or hydraulic rods, to control the speed of the bottom plate's rotation and prevent instantaneous tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the foldable storage basket uses steel wires to secure the base basket when unfolded, then the storage basket can be held in position, but the steel wires and hinged connection are easily damaged when the base basket suddenly falls downward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a buffer mechanism that absorbs shock before the steel wires and hinged connections are damaged. The buffer is positioned to catch and slow the base basket during unintended downward movement, preventing the sudden impact that would otherwise damage the steel wires and hinges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary buffer mechanism between the base basket and the steel wire connection points. This buffer acts as a mediator that absorbs and dissipates the impact energy during sudden downward movement, protecting the steel wires and hinged connections from direct damage while still allowing the storage basket to function normally.
2Volume of moving object
If the base basket is designed to fold up when not in use, then the occupied space is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex with additional hinged connections and steel wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by designing the base basket to fold up and nest within or against the rear seat structure when not in use. This allows the storage basket to be compact during storage while maintaining full functionality when deployed, effectively hiding the complexity of the folding mechanism within the overall seat assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing the folding mechanism to serve multiple functions: it provides storage when needed, reduces space when not needed, and integrates with the rear seat structure. The same hinged connection and steel wire assembly that enable folding also provide structural support and shock protection, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
3Productivity
If the first foldable bottom plate rotates downward quickly when unfolded, then the unfolding speed is fast, but the supporting pulling ropes are damaged by instantaneous tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a buffer mechanism that activates during the unfolding process to control the rotation speed of the first foldable bottom plate. The buffer provides resistance that prevents instantaneous tightening of the supporting pulling ropes while still allowing the base basket to unfold efficiently, protecting the ropes from damage.
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
Prevents damage to supporting ropes and connections by slowing down the rotation of the foldable bottom plate, ensuring stable and damage-free unfolding and folding operations.
Implementation Method 1
one or more slow-descent devices, such as pneumatic or hydraulic rods, to control the speed of the bottom plate's rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An electric cart includes two upright posts, and a mounting frame is fixedly mounted between the two upright posts. A foldable storage basket is mounted on the mounting frame and includes a folding assembly, one or more supporting pulling ropes, and one or more slow-descent devices. The folding assembly is configured to be unfolded to form a storage space. The mounting frame includes two side mounting plates and a transverse beam. The folding assembly includes a first foldable bottom plate rotatably connected to the two side mounting plates, and at least one side of the first foldable bottom plate is disposed with the one or more supporting pulling ropes and the one or more slow-descent devices. When the folding assembly is released, the first foldable bottom plate is rotated downward, and the one or more slow-descent devices reduces a speed of a downward rotation of the first foldable bottom plate.