Modular Roller Assembly for Versatile Heavy Object Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material handling devices for horizontal displacement of objects and materials are complex, costly, and limited in versatility, requiring tedious planning and specific applications, with size and weight constraints that make them unsuitable for varied uses.
Innovation Solution
A modular roller device with a frame and rolling members that can be easily assembled and reconfigured to accommodate different sizes and shapes of objects, featuring a fastening mechanism for versatility and portability, allowing for flexible use in various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional material handling devices are used, then horizontal displacement of objects is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roller device is divided into modular components including a frame structure, rolling members, and optional fastening members that can be independently selected and assembled. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex material handling functions through simple, standardized parts rather than requiring a single complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller device is designed with universal applicability through its modular frame and rolling member configuration that can handle various object sizes and weights. The optional fastening members provide multiple functional modes (secured vs. portable use), enabling one device to serve multiple purposes across different material handling scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional material handling devices are used, then horizontal displacement of objects is achieved, but versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The roller device incorporates dynamic configurability through optional fastening members that allow the system to transition between different operational states. Users can adjust the device from a portable configuration for moving objects to a secured configuration for stationary support, adapting to different material handling needs without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows parameter changes in its operational characteristics by adding or removing fastening members. This enables the same basic roller structure to function in different modes (portable vs. secured), effectively changing its adaptability parameters without altering the core rolling mechanism or requiring complex reconfiguration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If device is secured or fastened, then stability during use is improved, but utility and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening members provide dynamic stability control, allowing the device to be secured when stability is needed and unsecured when portability is required. This dynamic approach to stabilization maintains versatility by giving users control over the stability parameter based on the specific operational context rather than fixing the device in a single state.
Solution Approach 2:
The optional fastening members enable the device to self-adjust its stability characteristics based on user needs. Users can independently secure or unsecure the device without requiring external fixtures or complex installation procedures, maintaining both stability when needed and versatility through simple user-controlled configuration.
4Productivity
If device size is increased to handle larger objects, then handling capacity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller device uses segmented, modular components that can be selectively assembled based on the size and weight of the object being handled. Rather than requiring a single large, expensive device for all applications, users can assemble appropriate frame sizes and rolling member configurations to match the specific handling capacity needs, reducing costs for smaller applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular frame and rolling member design provides universal handling capability across different object sizes. The same basic components can be configured for small-scale portable use or larger-scale secured applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall system cost while maintaining adequate handling capacity for various object dimensions.
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 roller device facilitates easy and versatile horizontal displacement of objects and materials, reducing complexity and cost while accommodating objects of varying sizes and shapes, enhancing its applicability across different scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a first rolling member rotatably mounted to a first support arm, and a second rolling member rotatably mounted to a second support arm
Data Source
AI summary
A modular roller device to facilitate horizontal displacement of objects and materials, including large, heavy, or bulky objects and materials comprising a frame constructed of at least one formed rod, a first rolling member rotatably mounted to a first support arm, and a second rolling member rotatably mounted to a second support arm, wherein the first rolling member may be arranged in a generally parallel orientation relative to the second rolling member. The frame may comprise at least one extending section, and the opposing first and second support arms may be coupled thereto. The at least one extending section may comprise a longitudinally extending section and/or a diagonally extending section. The modular roller device may further comprise at least one secondary extending section. The modularly roller devices can be further combined to a form a system to facilitate the horizontal displacement of objects and materials.