Nestable Shopping Trolley Layout Protecting Load Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable shopping carts with weighing functions face issues of reduced usable storage length and unprotected load cells during stacking, leading to potential damage and measurement inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
The chassis frame extends forward from the vertical frame, with load cells shielded by the vertical frame and reinforced with support profiles, and the storage frame positioned above the load cells, ensuring protection and optimal use of chassis length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the chassis frame is positioned between the vertical frame and the load cells, then the load cells are exposed and vulnerable to impact during stacking, but moving the chassis frame forward protects the load cells while reducing the overall structural compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the chassis frame from a horizontal arrangement between the vertical frame and load cells to a forward extension beyond the vertical frame. This dimensional repositioning creates a protective overhang that shields the load cells from lateral impact during stacking operations, while the vertical frame maintains its structural role.
2Length of moving object
If the storage frame is positioned lower to maximize usable length, then the storage element can extend further, but the load cells become vulnerable to collision from the storage frame during stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent vertically positions the storage frame above the load cells rather than below or at the same level. This vertical dimensionality change allows the storage element to extend longitudinally without compromising load cell protection, as the storage frame cannot laterally collide with the load cells when positioned above them during stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical frame acts as an intermediary protective element between the storage frame and the load cells. When the storage frame is positioned above the load cells, the vertical frame structure prevents direct lateral contact during stacking, mediating the spatial relationship to protect the load cells while allowing maximum storage extension.
3Volume of stationary object
If the chassis frame is spread apart to accommodate additional storage space, then the storage capacity increases, but shear stresses distort the measurement result and damage the load cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the structural support function from the measurement function by positioning the load cells on the forward-extending chassis frame rather than on the spread-apart chassis legs. This segmentation allows the chassis frame to be spread for storage capacity while the load cells remain on a stable, non-spread reference point, preventing shear stress distortion of measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The forward-extending chassis frame acts as an intermediary that decouples the storage structure from the measurement system. The load cells are mounted on this extended section rather than directly on the spread-apart chassis legs, serving as a mediator that prevents shear forces from the stored load from directly affecting the measurement sensors.
Data Source
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AI summary
Stackable shopping trolley (100"), comprising: - a chassis (20") with a chassis frame (21") with rollers (22, 23) and with a vertical frame (24") with side rails (24.3", 24.4"), - a shopping item receiving unit (10") with an upper shopping item receiving unit (11) and a lower shopping item receiving unit (12"), wherein - the shopping item receiving unit (10") is mounted on the chassis (20") via at least three load cells (31, 32), of which one load cell (31) is arranged on each of the two rear sections of the chassis frame (21") and at least one load cell (32) is arranged in a front area of the chassis frame (21"); - the chassis frame (21") in front of the side rails (24.3", 24.4").4") of the vertical frame (24"); - the vertical frame (24") has a support profile section (28") at its lower end, which connects at a right angle to the chassis frame (21"), wherein the rear lateral load cells (31) are arranged next to the support profile section (28") on the chassis frame (21") and - the support profile section (28") has a larger profile width than the adjoining profile section of the chassis frame (21").