Inversion Drum Assembly With Removable Wheelbase for Tight Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inversion units with fixed connections to wheelbases are difficult to carry and use in small spaces, requiring miniaturization which limits capacity, or they require multiple workers for transportation due to the absence of frameworks with rollers.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical drum with expandable carrying handles and a removable wheelbase, featuring a frame assembly with arcuate rails and a brake assembly that allows for rotation and adjustable positioning, enabling efficient disassembly and reassembly, and a base assembly with wheels for improved mobility and ergonomic handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed connection to wheelbase is employed, then the system maintains structural stability, but the system becomes difficult to carry and use in small spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrying easeVSAvoidfixed connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inversion unit is divided into separate components: the drum assembly and the wheelbase, connected through removable coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows the drum to be easily detached from the wheelbase, enabling single-person carrying into small spaces while maintaining structural stability when connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the drum and wheelbase transitions from a fixed static connection to a dynamic removable connection. The coupling mechanisms allow the system to switch between connected (for transport stability) and disconnected (for maneuverability in small spaces) states, adapting to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the system is miniaturized to fit in tighter spaces, then the footprint is reduced, but the capacity of the system is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefootprintVSAvoidliner capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The drum is designed with a vertical orientation, utilizing the vertical dimension to maximize capacity while minimizing the horizontal footprint. The drum can be positioned upright on the wheelbase, allowing it to fit through standard doorways and into confined spaces while maintaining adequate liner storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the framework with rollers is eliminated to create a smaller footprint, then the device fits in tighter spaces, but more people are required to carry the heavy unit

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefootprintVSAvoidcarrying difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The heavy drum assembly is separated from the wheelbase, allowing the drum to be independently handled and carried into small spaces. The removable coupling mechanisms enable single-person operation for positioning the drum, while the wheelbase provides stable support when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable coupling mechanisms act as intermediaries between the drum and wheelbase, facilitating easy attachment and detachment. This allows the drum to be temporarily separated for easy carrying into confined spaces, then quickly reconnected to the wheelbase for stable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If expandable carrying handles and removable wheelbase are implemented, then single-user operation is enhanced and footprint is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-user operationVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying handles are designed as separate, attachable components that can be easily mounted and removed from the drum. This segmentation allows single-user attachment/handling and storage, reducing complexity when not in use while providing ergonomic handling when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanisms serve multiple functions: they connect the drum to the wheelbase for transport, allow the drum to be detached for maneuvering into small spaces, and provide mounting points for carrying handles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3931480B1Inversion unit with expandable carrying handles and removable wheelbase
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 SACPRO AB
  • EP3931480B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3931480B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3931480B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An inversion unit assembly is provided that is releasably connected to a wheelbase such that the inversion unit can be quickly removed from the wheelbase and carried separately from the inversion unit. The assembly includes a lining drum having a cylindrical body having an open end and a viewing opening. The lining drum includes two inlets for for compressed air and an outlet for liner. The lining drum drum also includes a rotatable wheel secured to an internal shaft for which which the liner can be released from the drum in a controllable fashion. The assembly also includes a wheelbase that can be separated from the inversion lining drum wherein the wheelbase includes a plurality of locking mechanisms and wheels.