Furniture Transport Tool With Locking Arm Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for transporting cumbersome pieces of furniture, such as mattresses, are inefficient and lack control, especially when navigating stairs or tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a set of arms with grip features that transition from a first position to a second position to securely hold furniture, accompanied by a locking mechanism and a connecting portion for user control and force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple people lift and carry furniture without tools, then the furniture can be transported, but the process is inefficient and lacks control especially on stairs or inclines
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the carrying function into separate components: a frame structure for support, grip features for securing the furniture, and a handle for user control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide both control and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The device acts as an intermediary tool between the user and the furniture. Instead of multiple people directly lifting and carrying the furniture, the device mediates this process by providing a structured way to grip, secure, and transport the furniture with better control and efficiency.
2Reliability
If straps are used to transport furniture, then the furniture can be secured, but the straps are hard to steer and control creating unwanted pressure and torque
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the securing function (grip features) from the control function (handle). The grip features are designed to securely hold the furniture while the handle provides a controlled interface for the user to steer and direct the device, eliminating the problem of straps being hard to steer.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the user directly manipulate straps that wrap around the furniture (which causes unwanted pressure and torque), the device inverts the approach by providing a rigid frame structure that securely holds the furniture and a separate handle for controlled manipulation, reversing the traditional strap-based approach.
3Strength
If a rigid strap system is used to secure furniture, then the furniture is held firmly, but unwanted pressure and torque are created especially when moving on or off stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the gripping function into specific grip features designed to contact the furniture at optimal points, separating this from the control function. This allows the gripping elements to apply force firmly while the handle provides controlled direction, preventing unwanted pressure and torque on the furniture during stair navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device frame acts as an intermediary structure between the user's control inputs and the furniture. This rigid frame distributes forces more evenly and predictably compared to flexible straps, preventing the concentration of unwanted pressure and torque that occurs with traditional strap systems when moving on or off stairs.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices are provided for carrying a piece of furniture. An example device includes a set of arms that are transitionable, relative to each other, between first and second positions. The device also includes a first and second grip features and a locking mechanism configured to lock the set of arms in the second position. When the set of arms are in the first position, the first and second grip features are spaced apart by a first distance such that the first and second grip features are positionable around a portion of the piece of furniture. When the set of arms are in the second position, the first and second grip features are spaced apart by a second distance that is less than the first distance such that the first and second grip features, when the locking mechanism is locked, are configured to securely hold the piece of furniture therebetween.