Foldable Roller Trolley Support for Compact Storage and Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roller and ball trolleys are bulky and difficult to transport when not in use, as they occupy significant space and have an elongated shape that can lead to accidental bumps during handling.
Innovation Solution
A foldable base and support system that allows the trolley to be compacted by folding the support parallel to the tubular body when not in use, with a locking mechanism to secure the base and support in the folded position, enabling easy storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support is arranged in a transverse plane perpendicular to the mast in use position, then the trolley can effectively support long parts, but the trolley becomes bulky and difficult to transport when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The support is made movable relative to the mast, allowing it to pivot between a transverse position (perpendicular to the mast) for supporting long parts and a longitudinal position (parallel to the mast) for compact storage. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the trolley to adapt its shape from an elongated form during use to a compact form for transport, resolving the contradiction between support effectiveness and portability.
2Area of stationary object
If the base is folded with legs brought together in line with the mast, then the footprint is reduced, but the overall shape remains elongated and impractical to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The base legs are designed to fold not only together in line with the mast but also to align with the longitudinal axis of the mast, creating a compact cylindrical shape when combined with the longitudinally positioned support. This dynamic folding mechanism transforms the base from a spread-out tripod structure to a compact assembly that fits within a small volume, making the entire trolley easy to carry and handle.
3Device complexity
If the support is fixed in transverse position, then the structure is simple, but the trolley cannot be compacted for transport and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The support is connected to the mast through articulation means that enable pivoting movement between transverse and longitudinal positions. This dynamic connection allows the support to be reconfigured from a fixed transverse position (which would maintain simplicity) to a movable structure that can be positioned longitudinally for compact storage, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and compactability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A support-type trolley, in particular a roller and/or ball trolley, comprising a folding base (2), a telescopic mast (3) which includes a tubular body (30) and a sliding upright (31), a support (5) carrying at least one support element (50), the support being fixed at the end of the sliding upright (31) and arranged in a plane transverse to the tubular body (30) in the trolley's operating position, characterized in that the roller-type support (5) is able to be arranged parallel to the tubular body (30) in a position not in use of the trolley, in particular the roller-type support (5) is foldable and able to be folded down against the tubular body (30).