Foldable Luggage Cart with Adjustable Platform and Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable transport apparatuses lack versatility in accommodating different sizes of objects and stability during transport, especially when carrying heavy or wide loads, and do not efficiently convert to storage positions.
Innovation Solution
A foldable luggage cart with a base, adjustable handle, and a platform with pivotable leg elements and wheels that can change positions for enhanced stability, along with a retainer support system using a cord for securing objects, allowing for adjustable support and storage configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the platform is made rigid to increase stability during transport, then stability is improved, but the ability to fold for storage and adapt to different sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed with movable leg elements that can pivot between different positions. When in use, the legs extend outward to provide stability for heavy or wide loads. When storage is needed, the legs fold inward to a compact position, allowing the entire apparatus to be collapsed for storage. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the platform to maintain rigidity and stability during transport while also being adaptable for storage and different object sizes.
2Device complexity
If the handle length is fixed to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but versatility in handling different sized objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can extend or retract relative to each other. This segmentation allows the handle length to be adjusted based on the size and weight of the object being transported, providing versatility for different applications. The segmented design maintains reasonable structural complexity while enabling adaptive length adjustment.
3Device complexity
If the wheel base is fixed to simplify design, then device complexity is reduced, but stability for different sized loads cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly incorporates a movable base that can adjust its width. For stable transport of heavy or wide objects, the base extends to increase the wheel track width, providing greater stability. When transporting smaller objects or when storage is needed, the base retracts to a compact configuration. This dynamic adjustment optimizes stability for different load conditions without requiring multiple fixed designs.
4Strength
If the platform support uses rigid material to increase strength, then strength is improved, but the ability to fold for storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The platform support structure is segmented into multiple connected components, including leg elements and support members that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength through proper joint design and material selection while enabling folding motion. The segmented construction permits the platform to collapse into a compact storage configuration while still providing structural strength during transport.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10) for transporting items includes a base (12), a handle element (16) extending from the base (12), a pair of rollers or wheels (20) mounted to the base (12) and a platform (14) mounted to the base (12) and adapted for movement between a stored condition and an operative position. The platform (14) includes first and second leg elements (24) and a platform support (26) connected to the first and second leg elements (24) and extending therebetween. The platform (14) is dimensioned and adapted to carry an object when in the operative position. The platform support (26) may comprise a flexible material such as a fabric material.