Folding Cart Axle Support Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of wheeled carts is time-consuming due to the large number of fasteners required to attach various components, making it inefficient for shipment and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A cart design featuring a hinged axle support assembly with interdigitated forward and rear supports that reduce the number of fasteners needed, allowing for a more straightforward assembly process by using a tow bar and axle configuration that is parallel to the supports' axes, enabling easier connection of wheels and tow bar attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional cart assembly methods are used with multiple fasteners to attach various components, then structural stability is ensured, but assembly time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated axle support assembly. The support assembly simultaneously attaches the axle, connects the forward and rear supports, and provides structural stabilization, eliminating the need for multiple separate fasteners and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle support assembly serves multiple functions: it supports the axle, connects the forward and rear supports, provides structural stability, and enables easy disassembly for shipping. This multi-functional design reduces the overall complexity of the cart assembly while maintaining all necessary structural functions.
2Quantity of substance
If the cart is shipped in a disassembled state to fit standard shipping boxes, then shipping efficiency is improved, but assembly complexity increases upon arrival
Solution Approach 1:
The cart is divided into major segments (body, axle support assembly, wheels) that can be separately packaged for efficient shipping. The axle support assembly itself is designed as a separable unit that can be easily assembled from its components, balancing shipping efficiency with assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle support assembly is pre-configured with integrated connection points and hinged joints that are designed to be easily assembled in a predetermined sequence, reducing the complexity of on-site assembly after shipping.
3Productivity
If the axle support assembly uses a hinged configuration with interdigitated supports, then assembly time is reduced, but structural complexity of the support mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axle support assembly uses hinged joints that allow dynamic movement during assembly, enabling the forward and rear supports to be easily connected through a folding motion. This dynamic mechanism simplifies the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The forward and rear supports are designed with interdigitated features that allow them to nest together when folded, creating a compact configuration for shipping while providing a straightforward connection mechanism during assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A cart may comprise a body, an axle having an axis of rotation, at least one wheel, a forward support, and a rear support. The forward support may include a forward support hinged end, and a forward support free end, the forward support hingedly connected to the body at the forward support hinged end to pivot about a forward support axis. The rear support may include a rear support hinged end, and a rear support free end, the rear support hingedly connected to the body at the rear support hinged end to pivot about a rear support axis. The forward support free end may be configured to selectively connect to the rear support at the rear support free end by the axle to rotatably support the wheel, and the axis of rotation of the axle may be parallel to each of the forward support axis and the rear support axis.