Foldable Trolley With Self-Locking Triangular Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable trolleys often have complex structures with many rod pieces and cumbersome locks, making them difficult to fold and store efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A foldable trolley design featuring a longitudinal fixed frame with vertical rods, transverse connecting assemblies with triangular and dual-triangular components, and a folding lock that allows for easy folding and self-locking, utilizing telescopic rods and a simple folding mechanism to occupy minimal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locks are used to fix the folded state of the trolley, then the folded state can be maintained, but the structure becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The folding lock is designed with a self-locking mechanism that automatically maintains the folded state without requiring external locks or complex fastening systems. The lock structure utilizes the geometric arrangement of the triangular connecting components to inherently secure the folded configuration, eliminating the need for additional locking devices and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding lock acts as an intermediary element between the triangular connecting components, mediating the transition between unfolded and folded states while maintaining the folded state through its self-locking feature. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall structure by replacing complex multi-component locking systems with a single integrated folding lock that performs both connection and locking functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If many rod pieces are used in the folding structure, then the trolley can be folded, but the folding process becomes unsmooth and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The folding structure is segmented into modular triangular connecting components that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each triangular component consists of a limited number of rod pieces connected at specific angles, allowing the entire structure to be folded through a series of simple, repetitive movements rather than manipulating many individual rod pieces separately.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple rod pieces are merged into integrated triangular connecting components where the rods are pre-assembled into rigid triangular units. This merging reduces the number of separate manipulation points during folding, making the folding process smoother and more controllable while maintaining the versatility of the folding capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple folding structures are used, then the structure is easy to manufacture, but the trolley still occupies large space when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The folding structure is designed so that the triangular connecting components nest within each other when folded, with each component fitting into the space created by the previous component. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume occupied by the folded trolley while maintaining a simple manufacturing process, as the nesting geometry is determined by the basic triangular component design rather than complex multi-layer arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the triangular components, allowing the structure to collapse in multiple directions simultaneously. This dimensional approach enables compact folding volume while keeping each individual component simple in shape and easy to manufacture, as the complexity is distributed across the spatial configuration rather than concentrated in individual parts.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a foldable trolley. The foldable trolley includes a longitudinal fixed frame, transverse connecting assemblies with symmetrically arranged front and back parts, and a push handle assembly fixedly arranged on the longitudinal fixed frame. The longitudinal fixed frame includes a plurality of vertical rods; a wheel is arranged below each vertical rod. In the present disclosure, a connecting way between triangular connecting components and a folding lock is adjusted by the folding lock, so that the transverse connecting assemblies are suitable for being opened or closed, which further enables the foldable trolley to be in the unfolded or folded state. The folding lock in the above structure has a simple structure and occupies a small space, so that the foldable trolley is easily and conveniently folded.