Shopping Trolley Handle Cap Spring Connection for Faster Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of grip caps on shopping cart handles is time-consuming due to traditional screw connections.
Innovation Solution
A sliding handle unit with grip caps that utilize spring elements for a quick and secure connection to the handle bracket, eliminating the need for screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw connection is used to attach the handle cap to the handle bracket, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly time is increased and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw connection system with a spring element system. The spring element (1) is inserted into a wire loop or receiving element on the handle bracket, using elastic deformation and snapping forces instead of threaded mechanical fastening. This substitution eliminates the need for screw threads while maintaining secure attachment, directly resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and assembly productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection mechanism from rigid screw fastening to flexible spring element engagement. The spring element can be made of elastic material such as spring steel, allowing it to deform during insertion and then snap into place. This parameter change in the connection method enables quick assembly while maintaining reliable attachment, addressing both productivity and reliability requirements.
2Reliability
If a screw connection is used to attach the handle cap to the handle bracket, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming screw fastening process with a rapid spring element insertion process. The spring element (1) is simply inserted into the wire loop or receiving element and snaps into place using elastic forces, eliminating the need for threading, tightening, and alignment required by screw connections. This dramatically reduces assembly time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-formed with the necessary elastic properties and geometry to automatically engage with the wire loop or receiving element upon insertion. This preliminary preparation of the spring element ensures that no additional fastening actions are needed during assembly, reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable connection.
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
The spring element connection significantly reduces assembly time, enhancing productivity by allowing for a faster and more efficient assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
the first or the second element is a spring element... the spring element snaps into a wire loop, creating a detachable or permanent connection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a handle cap (2) as a lateral border of a push handle unit of a shopping trolley, which produces the connection of a handlebar (6) to a shopping trolley, wherein the handle cap (2) comprises a first element which allows a releasable or non-releasable connection to a second element of the handlebar (6), the first or the second element being a spring element (1).