Movable Support Platform with Detachable Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for moving heavy objects, such as plants, within homes and offices are inefficient, requiring repeated lifting and use of industrial dolly devices that are cumbersome and prone to causing injury and clutter.
Innovation Solution
A movable support apparatus with a platform, wheels, and a removably attachable handle featuring an attachment device with a receiver and retainer system that allows for easy connection and disconnection, enabling the platform to be moved with minimal effort and stored inconspicuously when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dolly device is used to move heavy objects, then the effort required to move the object is reduced, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires repeated lifting and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly device is divided into two main segments: a stationary base unit with platform and wheels, and a separate handle assembly. The handle can be detached from the base, allowing the base to be stored in a compact position while the handle is carried separately. This segmentation eliminates the need to move the entire dolly assembly back and forth, as only the lightweight handle needs to be transported between locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle function is extracted from the base unit and made into a separate, removable component. This allows the base to remain stationary and stored in one location (such as a garage or storage area), while the handle is taken out and carried to wherever the object needs to be moved. The attachment device with receiver and retainer enables quick connection and disconnection of the handle from the base.
2Ease of operation
If an industrial dolly is used for moving objects, then mobility is improved, but the device creates clutter and is prone to causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the handle from the base, the heavy industrial-looking base remains stationary in storage, while only the lightweight handle is carried around. This eliminates the clutter of a mobile dolly base moving through hallways and rooms, and reduces injury risk by removing the need to maneuver a large, unwieldy device.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed as a lightweight, simple component that can be easily carried and temporarily used. Unlike a permanent dolly base that must be stored somewhere, the handle is a portable tool that comes with the object being moved and is left at the destination, eliminating the need for return trips to retrieve the dolly.
3Area of stationary object
If a removable handle is attached to the support platform, then storage space is reduced, but the connection mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is extracted into a dedicated attachment device with a receiver on the base and a retainer on the handle. This specialized connection system uses simple mechanical components (receiver creating upper and lower stops, retainer with attachment hooks) that provide secure attachment without complex mechanisms. The design prioritizes ease of connection and disconnection over minimal storage space.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved movable support apparatus includes a support platform with a top, a bottom, sides and an inside and an outside. At least one wheel is connected with the bottom of the support platform. An attachment device is provided in the support platform where the attachment device consists of a receiver in the inside of the support platform, the receiver creating an upper stop and a lower stop in the support platform and where the attachment device further includes a retainer, the retainer located on the inside of the support platform interior from the upper stop of the receiver. A handle with at least one attachment hook is provided, the handle removably connectable with the attachment device retainer on the inside of the support platform and with the outside of the support platform such that when connected in the receiver with the attachment device movement of the handle causes movement of the support platform and where the handle is held in place by a combination of the at least one attachment hook and the retainer of the attachment device such that dislocation of the at least one attachment hook from the attachment device retainer releases the handle from the attachment device and the support platform.