Foldable Shopping Trolley Frame With Spring-Locked Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable shopping trolleys require high force and attention to multiple parts for folding, making it difficult for elderly users due to the need to simultaneously release the articulation mechanism and collapse the upper half-frame onto the lower half-frame.
Innovation Solution
A foldable frame with a pair of articulation mechanisms between the upper and lower half-frames, allowing the upper half-frame to fold onto the lower half-frame without needing continuous button press, and a support structure for the bag that provides rigidity and folds jointly, ensuring stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the articulation mechanism requires simultaneous release and collapse actions, then the folding function is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to high force requirements and multiple attention points
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to automatically push the locking element into the locking position once the button is released. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to continuously press the button or coordinate multiple actions, significantly reducing the force and attention required during folding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism is designed to be self-latching through the spring-loaded locking element. Once the user releases the button, the spring automatically engages the locking element to maintain the folded position without requiring continuous user input or additional force, making the system self-sustaining after initial activation.
2Reliability
If the support base is made rigid for stability, then the reliability improves, but the ability to fold deteriorates due to structural rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The support base incorporates articulation points that allow it to transition between rigid and flexible states. When folded, the support base maintains rigidity through its articulated structure to ensure stability, while when unfolded, it gains flexibility to accommodate the folding motion of the trolley frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The support base is merged with the folding mechanism such that the reinforcing structure and folding capacity work together as an integrated system. The articulation points are strategically positioned to maintain structural integrity during folding while preserving stability in the folded configuration through the four bearing points arrangement.
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
The solution simplifies the folding process, reduces the required force, and enhances user comfort and safety by allowing the frame to maintain an upright position with four bearing points, improving usability for all users, especially the elderly.
Implementation Method 1
a spring pushing the gear into the housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
It comprises two U-shaped half-frames (1,2) articulated by means of a mechanism, a support structure (5) for a bag, and a support (60), foldable on the lower half-frame, for rear wheels (61). It is characterised in that the articulation mechanism (3) is formed by two bodies (31,32) each with a substantially cylindrical cavity which define a housing for a locking element (4), the locking element being a cylindrical body comprising two diametrically opposed protuberances (41), wherein the first body comprises a first cylindrical cavity with two diametrically opposed lateral notches (313), matching the geometry of the locking element (4), each body having a half-body for coupling to the frame.