Modular Gondola Moving System with Casters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gondola moving systems require significant resources and time for disassembly and reassembly, often leading to unstable loads and potential twisting or binding during lifting and moving, especially when gondolas are stocked, and they fail to support the entire base, resulting in inefficient and unsafe operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular gondola moving system comprising a skate system with independently supported skates connected by a longitudinal member, featuring casters for stability and a lifting device with a suspension system that lowers bases to the ground for secure lifting and movement, allowing the gondola to be supported on multiple wheels and reducing vertical point loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If prior gondola moving systems are used to lift and move stocked gondolas, then the gondola can be moved, but the system requires significant disassembly and reassembly resources and time
Solution Approach 1:
The moving system is divided into separate modular components: a base unit with casters and a separate lifting mechanism. This segmentation allows the base unit to remain attached to the gondola permanently while the lifting mechanism can be independently deployed and removed, eliminating the need for extensive disassembly and reassembly operations.
2Productivity
If prior gondola moving systems are used to lift and move stocked gondolas, then the gondola can be moved, but the system creates unstable loads with potential twisting and binding
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from suspending the gondola at a single mid-point (one-dimensional support) to supporting the entire base of the gondola across multiple casters distributed along the base (three-dimensional distributed support). This dimensional change provides stable, multi-point contact that prevents twisting and binding while maintaining load stability throughout the moving operation.
3Productivity
If prior gondola moving systems are used, then lifting can be performed, but the lifting mechanism must remain attached as a component of the support structure requiring numerous lifting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit with casters serves multiple functions: it provides permanent attachment to the gondola base, offers distributed support across the entire base, and enables moving capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lifting mechanisms to remain attached, as the base unit itself becomes the moving platform.
4Productivity
If prior gondola moving systems are used, then gondola movement is possible, but extensive disassembly and unstocking is required
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit with casters is pre-installed and permanently attached to the gondola base before any moving operation. This preliminary action ensures the gondola is already prepared for movement, eliminating the need for last-minute disassembly or unstocking operations when a move is required.
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 modular system enhances the efficiency and safety of gondola movement by providing a stable support platform, reducing the risk of twisting and binding, and allowing for easy adjustment and reuse, while minimizing the need for extensive disassembly and reassembly.
Implementation Method 1
Each skate engages a ground surface and is connected in a lateral arrangement along a length of a longitudinal member. Each of the first skate, the second skate, and the third skate comprises at least four casters which engage the ground surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples include systems and methods for lifting and moving gondolas using a modular gondola moving system. Components of a modular gondola moving system include interchangeable skates. The interchangeable skates are further removably attached to a longitudinal member which, when connected to the longitudinal member, form a skate system. Multiple skate systems are positioned to the underside of a gondola and may additionally be connected together by connector bars for stabilization and to form the modular gondola moving system. One or more lifting devices are provided independent of and are used in combination with each skate system for positioning the gondola on each skate system. The one or more lifting devices may be repeatedly used in order to place the gondola on a single modular gondola support system.