Motorized Collapsible Shopping Trolley With Multi-Directional Wheels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shopping carts require manual effort to push or pull, especially for elderly or infirm individuals, and lack the ability to move sideways or handle varied luggage sizes effectively.

Innovation Solution

A rechargeable motorized personal shopping cart with an adjustable wheel system, allowing it to move in different directions, and equipped with a modular frame and control elements for ease of use and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual shopping carts are used, then they are simple and lightweight, but they require significant physical effort to push or pull, especially for elderly or infirm individuals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of propulsionVSAvoidphysical effort required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual cart system with an electromechanical system. An electric motor is integrated into the cart to provide automated propulsion, substituting human physical effort with electrical power. The motor is controlled via a handheld remote or integrated controls, allowing users to operate the cart without exerting significant force, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and force required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cart is designed to propel itself autonomously using an integrated electric motor and battery system. The motor automatically drives the wheels based on user input through simple controls, eliminating the need for the user to manually push or pull the cart. This self-service capability allows the cart to perform the propulsion function independently, reducing the physical effort required by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional shopping carts are designed for straight-line movement, then they are simple in structure, but they cannot move sideways or adapt to varied navigation needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement directionsVSAvoidwheel system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic wheel system where the wheels can change their orientation and function. The rear wheels are equipped with mechanisms that allow them to rotate or pivot, enabling the cart to move not only forward and backward but also sideways. This dynamic configuration allows the cart to adapt to different navigation needs and spatial constraints, increasing versatility while managing complexity through controlled mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel system is divided into independent, controllable units. Each wheel or wheel assembly can be individually actuated or oriented, allowing selective engagement of different movement modes. This segmentation enables the complex multi-directional movement capability to be achieved through coordinated action of separate wheel modules, making the complexity manageable and the adaptability achievable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If shopping carts have fixed container sizes, then they are simple to manufacture, but they cannot accommodate various luggage sizes effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluggage accommodationVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cart frame incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow the container size and configuration to be modified. Components such as telescopic sides, adjustable dividers, or removable panels enable the frame to adapt to different luggage sizes and shapes. This dynamic structure allows the same frame to accommodate various cargo volumes without requiring multiple specialized frames, thereby achieving versatility while controlling complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12263877B2Collapsible shopping trolley with auxiliary electric motor
Publication Date: 2025.04.01 MAENHOUT
  • US12263877B2 patent drawing
  • US12263877B2 patent drawing
  • US12263877B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic cart includes a frame, an electrically powered rotary motor, a rechargeable battery, and an electrical charging plug-in. The frame comprise a container with an open top end, a bottom end defining the floor, opposite side walls, and a rear wall with an opposite front wall. The container is foldable and has at least one wheel at the front. The frame has at least two wheels at the bottom thereof and a handlebar having control elements. The motor is mounted to the frame on which the container is provided. The motor is configured to drive at least one wheel provided on the frame and is operable and controllable by the handlebar control elements. The battery provides a power supply powering the motor. The battery is approximately attached to the frame. The plug-in is in communication with the battery for charging the battery.