Multi-Directional Hinge Folding Wagon Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding wagons only collapse in one dimension, resulting in a larger footprint during transportation and storage, due to the restrictive nature of their folding mechanisms and hinges that allow only one degree of freedom in movement.
Innovation Solution
A folding wagon design featuring a collapsible frame with multi-directional hinges and extendable vertical frame elements, allowing the wagon to collapse in both length and width, along with a telescopic handle and rotatable wheels for enhanced maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional hinges with pins or rods are used, then the wagon can fold in one dimension, but the wagon cannot collapse in multiple dimensions resulting in larger storage footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-dimension folding to multi-dimension collapsing by introducing hinges that provide rotational freedom in multiple axes. The first hinge allows rotation about a first axis, and the second hinge allows rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first, enabling the wagon to collapse both lengthwise and widthwise into a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic hinge mechanisms that can rotate and adapt to different folding configurations. The hinges are designed to provide rotational movement in multiple directions, allowing the wagon frame to dynamically transition between extended and collapsed states in multiple dimensions rather than being constrained to a single folding path.
2Volume of moving object
If the wagon is designed to collapse in both length and width, then storage space is optimized, but the hinges cannot accommodate the multi-directional folding motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension of movement to the hinge system. The first hinge provides rotation about a first axis, and the second hinge provides rotation about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. This multi-axis rotational capability enables the wagon to collapse in multiple dimensions, achieving compact footprint while maintaining hinge adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the folding mechanism into multiple independent hinge segments. Each hinge is responsible for a specific rotational degree of freedom, with the first hinge handling rotation about the first axis and the second hinge handling rotation about the second axis. This segmentation allows each hinge to be optimized for its specific movement while collectively enabling multi-dimensional collapsing.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional single-axis hinges are used, then the structure is simple, but the wagon fills more space during transportation and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second hinge axis perpendicular to the first, transforming the folding mechanism from single-dimension to multi-dimension collapsing. This enables the wagon to achieve a much smaller storage footprint by collapsing both lengthwise and widthwise, with the additional hinge providing the necessary rotational freedom in the second dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested hinge configuration where the second hinge is integrated with the first hinge structure. The perpendicular hinge axes are arranged so that one hinge can rotate within the framework established by the other, creating a compact nested arrangement that enables multi-dimensional folding without proportionally increasing the overall structural complexity.
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
Enables a more compact collapsed configuration, optimizing storage and transportation space by allowing multiple degrees of freedom in the folding mechanism, reducing the overall footprint and improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
the hinged attachments of the base support elements to the vertical frame elements are multi-directional hinges allowing multiple degrees of freedom in the movement of the base support elements
Implementation Method 2
the central base element moves upward and draws the corners of the folding wagon towards the center of the wagon
Data Source
AI summary
A folding wagon comprising a collapsible wagon basket, a folding wagon frame comprising folding ends and folding sides, wherein the folding ends and the folding sides connect at four corners, each corner comprising a vertical frame element, wherein the vertical frame elements are extendable to enable the folding the wagon to transform from an extended configuration to a collapsed configuration, a folding base formed by a plurality of base support elements that are hingedly attached to the vertical frame elements and hingedly attached to a central base element, wherein the hinged attachments of the base support elements to the vertical frame elements are multi-directional hinges allowing multiple degrees of freedom in the movement of the base support elements when the folding wagon is transformed from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration, a handle attached to the first folding end, and a plurality of wheels.