Foldable Floor Transport Trolley with Segmented Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport trolleys lack optimal stackability and efficient accommodation of goods due to limitations in their design, particularly in transitioning between working and non-working positions.
Innovation Solution
A transport trolley with a base frame and rollers, featuring a foldable floor supported by a linearly expandable pivoting movement element and a force deflection element, which allows for controlled pivoting and storage, utilizing a gas pressure spring for adjustable movement and a locking device for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable floor with a single pivoting movement element is used, then the structure is simple, but the stackability and controlled movement between positions are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is segmented into two distinct functional elements: a force deflection element (lever with roller) that handles the initial movement phase, and a linearly expandable pivoting movement element (gas spring) that handles the final positioning phase. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve controlled floor folding and improved stackability
Solution Approach 2:
The force deflection element acts as an intermediary between the user's initial input force and the final positioning action. It deflects and redirects forces during the first part of the pivoting movement, then transfers control to the pivoting movement element for the second part, enabling smooth transition between working and non-working positions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the floor is folded completely away from the base frame, then stackability is improved, but control during the final positioning phase becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The two-element folding mechanism ensures continuous useful action throughout the entire pivoting range. The force deflection element provides controlled assistance during the first part of movement, then seamlessly transitions to the pivoting movement element for the second part, maintaining continuous control and preventing the floor from being uncontrollably thrown into the folded position
3Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded mechanism is used for floor movement, then ease of operation is improved, but the force progression and controlled deceleration may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The folding action is divided into two periodic phases: the first phase uses the force deflection element to provide initial movement assistance, and the second phase uses the pivoting movement element for controlled deceleration and final positioning. This periodic division of the folding action ensures both ease of operation and reliable controlled deceleration at the appropriate moments
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
Enhances stackability and space efficiency by allowing smooth transition between working and non-working positions, ensuring safe and controlled folding mechanisms, and enabling easy coupling with towing vehicles through a spring-loaded drawbar.
Implementation Method 1
a linearly expandable pivoting movement element (24), in particular a gas pressure spring, for supporting the pivoting movement of the base (16)
Implementation Method 2
The force-deflecting element (22) has a roller (32) designed and arranged such that it rolls on the base (16)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a transport trolley with a base frame (12) with rollers (14) and with a foldable base (16) which is pivotable relative to the base frame (12), with a force redirection element (22) and with a linearly expandable pivoting movement element (24) to support the pivoting movement of the base (16), wherein the base (16) rests on the base frame (12) in at least one working position for the storage and transport of goods and is folded off and/or away from the base (16) in a second non-working position.