Hand Cart Mounting via U-Channel and Support Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand carts require users to unload and reload articles when transporting them between locations, especially when using vehicles, due to the difficulty in lifting the cart and its contents, which adds unnecessary work and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A wheeled hand cart design that allows for easy mounting on a vehicle's rear support bar, providing a mechanical advantage to lift the cart into an elevated, horizontal position without unloading, using a U-shaped channel and pin system for secure attachment, enabling seamless transfer between locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If articles are loaded onto a vehicle while still on the hand truck, then the number of loading/unloading operations is reduced, but the lifting force required increases due to the additional weight of the hand cart
Solution Approach 1:
A support bar is introduced as an intermediary element between the vehicle and the hand cart. The support bar extends from the vehicle and engages with the channel on the hand cart, serving as a mechanical lever that allows the cart to be lifted into an elevated position without requiring direct manual lifting of the entire loaded cart assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand cart is designed with a movable channel that can transition between a lowered position (for ground-level operation) and an elevated position (when engaged with the vehicle's support bar). This dynamic positioning allows the cart to adapt to different operational modes, enabling easy mounting/dismounting while maintaining lifting mechanical advantage.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical advantage system is added to the hand truck to ease lifting, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional movable parts
Solution Approach 1:
The channel structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the hand cart platform, acts as a mounting interface for the support bar engagement, and functions as part of the mechanical advantage system for lifting. The ears with aligned holes serve both as structural reinforcement and as the engagement interface for the support bar pin.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate, simple components: the channel is integrated into the cart frame, the ears are attached to the channel, and the support bar with pin is a separate vehicle-mounted component. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively providing the mechanical advantage function.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single support bar mounting system is used, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the reliability of attachment may worsen compared to multi-point mounting systems
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is designed with localized reinforcement at critical areas, particularly at the ears where the support bar engages. The ears protrude into the notch and have aligned holes that provide concentrated attachment points. This localized strengthening at the engagement interface ensures reliable attachment despite the simplicity of the single support bar design.
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 the user to transport loaded hand carts between locations without manual lifting, reducing effort and complexity, and is suitable for various applications including outdoor activities and commercial use.
Implementation Method 1
providing a mechanical advantage to allow the hand cart to be lifted without removing articles stored on the truck
Data Source
AI summary
A portable container assembly that can include a wheeled hand cart for transporting articles mounted on a platform or basket can be mounted in an elevated, horizontal position on the rear of a vehicle. The hand cart includes a downwardly facing channel that can be aligned with and inserted over a support bar extending from the rear of a hitch receiver on a vehicle. Upright handles on the hand cart supply sufficient mechanical advantage to allow the user to first tilt the and cart, and when the channel is aligned with the support bar, the hand cart can be rotated so that it is lifted into position and supported by the support bar on a vehicle. The support bar is attachable to and detachable from a conventional hitch receiver. A cooler can also be mounted directly to and supported only by the hitch extension.