Two-Wheel Minicontainer Transport Vehicle With Pivot-Axle Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moving heavy minicontainers filled with waste is burdensome, leading to physical complaints such as back pain, due to the need for pivoting and lifting, which can result in long-term absenteeism.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with two wheels, a coupling device, and a support wheel, allowing for easy coupling and transport of minicontainers by pivoting the lid relative to the base without lifting, using an electric motor and battery for mobility, and providing stable support to reduce strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a person moves a heavy filled minicontainer by pivoting it around the wheel rotation axis, then the minicontainer can be moved, but the action becomes burdensome and causes physical complaints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vehicle as an intermediary device between the person and the heavy minicontainer. The vehicle has a coupling device that connects to the minicontainer's pivot axle, allowing the person to move the vehicle rather than directly manipulating the heavy container. This mediator transfers the movement task from direct human effort to vehicle-assisted transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle provides support and counterbalances the weight of the filled minicontainer during transport. The coupling device and vehicle structure are designed to bear and distribute the load, reducing the effective weight that the person must handle during operation.
2Strength
If the coupling device is positioned at a fixed distance from the wheel axis, then the construction becomes robust and sturdy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed with a standardized gripping element that can universally engage with the pivot axle of different minicontainers. The fixed-distance positioning from the wheel axis serves multiple functions: providing structural leverage for robust operation, ensuring proper alignment during coupling, and maintaining stability during transport, thereby reducing the need for additional complex components.
3Ease of operation
If the support wheel is arranged free of the surface during coupling, then the vehicle can be tilted at a smaller angle, but the stability during transport may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support wheel is designed to dynamically change its position relative to the ground surface based on the operational phase. During coupling, it is free of the surface to allow the vehicle to tilt at a smaller angle for easier connection. During transport, it contacts the surface to provide stability and support, automatically adapting to the required functional state.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle (1) for transporting a minicontainer, preferably a minicontainer (3) according to NEN-EN 840-1:2020, wherein the vehicle is provided with: - two wheels (5) for supporting and moving the vehicle (1) on a surface; - a coupling device (7) arranged for allowing the coupling of the vehicle (1) with the minicontainer (3) from a bottom side (9) with a pivot axle (11) of the minicontainer, by means of a pivot movement around an axis of rotation (R1) of the two wheels (5) of the vehicle, wherein the pivot axle of the minicontainer is arranged for pivoting a lid (15) of the minicontainer (3) relative to a base of the minicontainer for providing access to a receiving area of the minicontainer.