Modular Cleaning Trolley Structure for Flexible Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning trolleys are not easily adaptable to customer needs, are difficult to handle, and have a bulky design, making them inefficient for commercial cleaning and maintenance functions.
Innovation Solution
A modular cleaning trolley design with independently mobile units, adjustable cross walls, and self-closing lateral doors with innovative hinges, allowing for customizable configurations and improved handling by enabling the trolley to be easily assembled and disassembled, and featuring a system of interchangeable elements for adapting to different cleaning tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cleaning trolley design is used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to customer needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning trolley is divided into modular components including interchangeable wall elements, separate cross walls, and independent rolling members. Each cross wall consists of two separate wall elements that can be removed and reconfigured. This segmentation enables customers to adapt the trolley to different cleaning needs by swapping components without redesigning the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trolley incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable cross walls that can be repositioned, interchangeable wall elements with different configurations, and rolling members that can be independently adjusted. These dynamic features allow the structure to adapt to varying customer requirements while maintaining overall structural integrity through standardized connection points.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning trolley design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but ease of handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the trolley into separable modules with standardized connection interfaces, the design reduces bulkiness while maintaining structural integrity. The segmented structure allows for more compact configurations and easier maneuverability compared to traditional monolithic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross walls and wall elements are designed to nest within the hollow profiles of the trolley structure. When not in use, components can be stored within the trolley's internal space, reducing the overall volume occupied during handling and storage while maintaining full functionality when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cleaning trolley design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow profiles are designed with universal connection features that can accommodate multiple types of wall elements and configurations. The standardized grooves and mounting points allow the same basic structure to serve multiple functions and adapt to different customer needs without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter changes in wall element configurations, materials, and arrangements while maintaining the same basic structural framework. Customers can modify the trolley by changing wall element parameters (heights, configurations, materials) rather than redesigning the entire structure, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If self-closing hinges are used, then door functionality is improved, but hinge complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge incorporates a self-closing mechanism that automatically closes the door after opening without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The spring-loaded or gravity-assisted self-closing action simplifies operation while maintaining relatively simple hinge construction compared to actively controlled door systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning trolley includes a base plate supported by rolling members; at least four upright hollow profiles for fixing cross walls arranged on the base plate, wherein each cross wall consists of two separate wall elements removably arranged back-to-back to each other and fixed by said upright hollow profiles; and an upper frame for securing the at least four upright hollow profiles. Further, the cleaning trolley may include a primary section and a secondary section, each section having a base plate supported by rolling members, wherein the primary section and the secondary section are removably connected by a connection mechanism, which connection mechanism contains a pedal pivotably attached to the bottom side of the base plate of the secondary section, and its actuation releases claws which in connection position are engaged with the primary section.