Foldable Cart with Autonomous Tracking and Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable and collapsible carts, including golf carts, are limited in their foldability and collapsibility, making them unsuitable for storage in small spaces such as airliner overhead compartments, and lack autonomous tracking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A four-wheeled foldable cart assembly with independently controlled drive wheels, sensor arrangements, and a control computer that allows for autonomous navigation and compact folding, enabling it to be stored in small spaces and used in various configurations like a golf cart, baby carriage, or shopping cart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cart is designed to be foldable and collapsible, then the storage space requirement is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cart frame is divided into multiple collapsible sections with pivot points that allow the structure to be segmented and folded. The frame members are connected through hinges and pivot arrangements that enable controlled folding while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cart employs a nesting mechanism where frame members are arranged to nest within each other when collapsed. The handle and frame sections are positioned to fit inside the overall structure, minimizing the volume to a fraction of its expanded state for compact storage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous tracking capabilities are added to the cart, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cart integrates multiple functions into a single platform: autonomous tracking following a leader, manual pushing capability, and load transport. The sensor system and control computer work together with the drive mechanism to provide autonomous following, while the same platform can be manually operated when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cart autonomously follows a leader by detecting and tracking their position using sensor arrangements, eliminating the need for direct human control. The control computer processes sensor data and automatically adjusts the drive motors to maintain following distance and trajectory without user intervention.
3Volume of moving object
If the cart is made compact for storage, then the storage space requirement is reduced, but the load support capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cart frame transitions from a rigid structure during operation to a flexible, collapsible configuration for storage. The pivot arrangements and hinge connections allow the frame to dynamically change its geometry, maintaining strength when expanded and enabling compact folding when collapsed.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into multiple sections connected by pivot points, allowing each section to be independently positioned. This segmentation enables the frame to collapse into a compact form while maintaining the necessary structural integrity to support loads when in the operational configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable cart assembly which is arranged to provide trackable transportation to a product or a person. The cart contains sensors and computer-controlled drive wheels to enable that cart assembly, when fully opened, to follow a safe path as directed by received electronic signals. That cart assembly is also tri-foldably collapsible, so as to have multiple portions pivoted into nesting configuration with one another thus containable in a minimal volume and even carried by an individual.