Foldable Cart Platform Structure for Compact Upright Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Platform carts with large platforms occupy significant storage space when not in use, limiting their availability.
Innovation Solution
A cart with a foldable platform that pivots between horizontal and upright positions, utilizing support rods and struts for stability and a floor lock mechanism for mobility and stability, allowing compact storage when upright.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large platform is used for cargo transport, then cargo carrying capacity is improved, but storage space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between horizontal and upright positions through pivotal connection to the cart body. This dynamic transformation allows the platform to adapt its spatial footprint based on operational needs, providing large cargo capacity during use while minimizing storage space when folded upright against the cart body.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform utilizes vertical space by pivoting from a horizontal position to an upright position against the cart body. This dimensional transition transforms the platform's spatial occupation from a horizontal footprint to a vertical configuration, effectively using the third dimension (height) to resolve the storage space conflict while maintaining cargo carrying capacity.
2Volume of stationary object
If a foldable platform is implemented, then storage space is reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform system is segmented into the platform itself and the cart body, connected through a pivotal joint. This segmentation allows the platform to be independently positioned relative to the cart body, enabling the foldable configuration while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular connection rather than integrated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A pivotal connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the platform and cart body, enabling the foldable function without requiring complex mechanical systems. This simple rotational joint serves as the mediator that provides the necessary movement capability while keeping the structural complexity minimal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the platform is made foldable, then mobility and storage flexibility are improved, but stability during transport may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is pre-configured with a pivotal connection that allows it to be securely positioned in both horizontal (transport) and upright (storage) configurations. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that before use, the platform can be set into the appropriate stable configuration, and after use, it can be folded into the storage position, maintaining stability in both states through the designed connection mechanism.
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
Enables a large platform for cargo transport while minimizing storage space requirements by folding the platform for compact storage.
Implementation Method 1
a foldable platform having a second top surface for carrying the cargos and a second edge pivotally attached to the first edge
Implementation Method 2
Two exemplary support beams 122 are mounted to the fixed platform 113 and extended to underneath the foldable platform 102 to provide support to the foldable platform 102 in a horizontal position
Implementation Method 3
The cart is also equipped with a floor lock 151 to provide friction and an extended reach on the floor when stationery and stability of the cart is desired
Data Source
AI summary
A cart includes a fixed platform having a first edge and a first top surface for carrying cargos, a foldable platform having a second top surface for carrying cargos and a second edge pivotally attached to the first edge, the foldable platform pivoting between a horizontal position and an upright position, the first and second top surface being in the same plane when the foldable platform being at the horizontal position, a support structure extended from the fixed platform to beneath the foldable platform, and a support rod pivotally attached to a bottom surface of the foldable platform and pivoting between a first and second angle to the foldable platform, the second angle being different from the first angle, when at the second angle, the support rod, the support structure, the fixed platform and the foldable platform forming a triangle holding the foldable platform at the upright position.