Foldable Trolley with Modular Receivers for Versatile Table Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trolleys are heavy, complex to assemble and disassemble, and require significant storage space, limiting their versatility and adaptability to different table sizes and configurations.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional, lightweight, and foldable trolley design featuring a frame with receivers for easy assembly and disassembly, adjustable side rails and handle racks, and a load support system, allowing it to carry both round and rectangular folding tables of various sizes without the need for disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional trolleys are made to fit certain size and shape tables, then they can securely transport specific table configurations, but they require multiple different trolleys for variety of table sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different table sizesVSAvoidnumber of different trolleys needed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley is designed with a universal floor structure featuring a planar central portion bounded by angled ramp portions that can accommodate both round and rectangular tables of various sizes. The interchangeable support structures (legs, racks, side rails) further enable the single trolley to adapt to different table configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized trolleys.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional trolleys are made non-foldable for structural stability, then they can provide stable transport, but they require substantial storage space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstorage space required

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley is divided into separable components including the floor, support structures (legs, racks, side rails), and table support elements. These segmented parts can be easily assembled and disassembled from the frame, allowing the trolley to be folded into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining structural stability during transport when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If conventional trolleys are made of heavy materials for durability, then they can withstand transport loads, but they are difficult to maneuver and store

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidtrolley weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley employs composite construction combining lightweight yet strong materials. The frame uses square tubing providing structural integrity, while the floor utilizes high-strength plate material. This composite approach maintains durability and load-bearing capacity while minimizing overall weight for easier maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional trolleys are made with fixed assembly for simplicity, then they are easy to manufacture, but they are complicated to assemble and disassemble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley design segments the structure into modular components (floor, support structures, table supports) that connect to the frame through standardized receivers. This segmentation enables tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized connection points and interchangeable parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trolley incorporates dynamic, interchangeable support structures that can be easily attached and detached from the frame. The side rails, racks, and legs can be selectively positioned and secured to different receivers on the frame, allowing quick reconfiguration and easy disassembly without complex fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9908548B1Multifunctional foldable trolley

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 ZHUHAI SHICHANG METALS

AI summary

A trolley configured for use to carry both round and rectangular folding tables of a variety of sizes. The trolley includes a frame having a floor located adjacent a loading end of the frame. The floor includes a planar central portion bounded on each side by angled ramp portions which terminate at elevated flat portions; a plurality of receivers located on the frame; The trolley also includes a handle rack locatable at an end of the frame opposite the loading end of the frame. The handle rack includes a pair of rack legs, each rack leg having a handle rack mount located at a lower end of the rack leg and configured to be received by one of the receivers of the frame. The handle rack mounts cooperate with corresponding ones of the receivers of the frame to enable the handle rack to be mounted to the frame and selectively positioned in either an upright position relative to the frame or in a folded orientation wherein the handle rack is folded to a lowered position adjacent the frame. The trolley also includes a pair of side rails locatable adjacent sides of the frame, the side rails including a pair of rail legs. Each rail leg has a rail mount located at a lower end of the rail leg and configured to be received by one of the receivers of the frame. The rail mounts cooperate with corresponding ones of the receivers of the frame to enable the side rails to be mounted to the frame and selectively positioned in either an upright position relative to the frame or in a folded orientation wherein the side rails are each folded to a lowered position adjacent the frame.