Foldable Trolley Frame With Removable Supports for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trolleys used in canteens are inefficient in reducing overall dimensions for storage and transport, occupy space when not in use, and pose hygiene issues due to dirt accumulation in fixed supporting means.
Innovation Solution
The trolley features a frame structure with connection means allowing relative rotation between transverse frames and longitudinal crossbars, enabling a change from a rectangular to a flattened configuration for reduced dimensions, and removable supporting means for easy cleaning and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the trolley is designed with fixed supporting means permanently attached to transverse frames, then the structure is simple and stable, but the overall dimensions cannot be reduced for storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley structure is divided into separable components: the frame structure and the supporting means are independent elements that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the supporting means to be removed when storage space is needed, reducing the overall volume without compromising the structural integrity when in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the frame structure and supporting means is made dynamic rather than static. The supporting means can be attached or detached from the transverse frames according to operational needs, enabling the trolley to transition between a compact storage state and a functional operational state with appropriate stability.
2Ease of operation
If the supporting means are permanently fixed to the transverse frames, then the trolley structure is stable, but dirt and dust accumulate in the interface slots making cleaning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting means are extracted from the permanent fixed configuration and made removable from the transverse frames. This extraction eliminates the interface slots where dirt and dust accumulate, allowing for thorough cleaning of all surfaces and ensuring hygiene maintenance in food service environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the frame structure and supporting means is made dynamic rather than static. The supporting means can be attached or detached from the transverse frames according to operational needs, enabling the trolley to transition between a compact storage state and a functional operational state with appropriate stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trolleys are kept to cover peak demand, then adequate capacity is available, but vacant trolleys occupy space and interfere with operations during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley structure is made dynamically reconfigurable through the removable supporting means. During low-demand periods, the supporting means can be detached and stored separately, reducing the occupied space. When peak demand occurs, the supporting means are reattached, instantly restoring full functionality without requiring additional trolleys.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective volume and functionality of the trolley are changed by adding or removing the supporting means. This parameter change allows the same trolley to adapt between different operational capacities, eliminating the need to maintain multiple trolleys for peak demand while minimizing space occupation during low-demand periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
The trolley (10; 10A; 10C) accommodates at least one receptacle for holding articles (52s, 52i) and has a frame structure (11; 11A, 11B; 11C) with a rectangular shape in plan, provided with castors (34) and comprising two lateral transverse frames (12; 12B) which lie in respective parallel vertical planes and are connected both at the front and at the back by at least two longitudinal crossbars (18s, 18i; 18As; 18Ai; 18Bs, 18Bi). The structure (11A, 11B) can also comprise one or more intermediate transverse frames (12A), parallel to the two lateral transverse frames (12) and also connected to the longitudinal crossbars (18As, 18Ai; 18Bs, 18Bi). Supporting means (20; 20A; 18s, 18i) are attached to the structure to receive the receptacles for holding articles (52s, 52i). The connection means (13) between the transverse frames (12; 12A) and the longitudinal crossbars (18s, 18i; 18As, 18Ai; 18Bs, 18Bi) enable optional relative rotation thereof in the horizontal plane, or blocking of this rotation. The supporting means (20; 20A) can be removably connected to the related transverse frame (12; 12A).