Pivotable Dolly with Ground-Engaging Support for Container Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dollies used in construction sites often require unloading containers before contents can be emptied, limiting manual labor and time efficiency, as they do not allow for contents manipulation while the container is on the dolly or during displacement.
Innovation Solution
A dolly design with a pivotable frame, lever arm, and container support that allows the container to be oriented upright for storage and parallel to the ground for discharge, enabling users to pivot the dolly to empty contents while moving, with ground-engaging elements supporting the container in the discharge position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional dollies are used to transport containers, then the container can be moved from one location to another, but the container must be unloaded before contents can be emptied, increasing manual labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly incorporates a pivotable container support that allows the container to be tilted between an upright transport position and a discharged position. This dynamic reconfiguration enables contents to be emptied directly onto the ground surface while the container remains on the dolly, eliminating the need to unload and manually empty the container, thus reducing both time and manual labor
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly design allows the container contents to be self-emptying through gravity when the container is tilted to the discharged position. The ground-engaging element supports the container in this position, enabling the contents to naturally flow out without requiring additional manual intervention, thereby reducing manual labor while maintaining productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dollies are used, then containers can be transported, but contents cannot be manipulated while the container is loaded on the dolly
Solution Approach 1:
The container support is mounted to pivot about the axle, allowing the container to be tilted to various positions including a discharged position where contents can be manipulated. This dynamic positioning capability enables contents manipulation while the container remains on the dolly, increasing adaptability without requiring complex additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly is designed to perform multiple functions: transporting the container in an upright position, tilting the container to discharge contents, and supporting the container in a discharged position for contents manipulation. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while using a relatively simple pivot-based mechanism rather than complex specialized equipment
3Productivity
If conventional dollies are used, then containers can be moved, but contents cannot be emptied while the dolly is being displaced
Solution Approach 1:
The container support pivots about the axle, allowing the container to be tilted to a discharged position during dolly displacement. The ground-engaging element provides support in this position, enabling contents to be emptied while the dolly is moving, thus improving emptying efficiency while maintaining operational flexibility through the simple pivot mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly design allows the emptying process to occur continuously during displacement rather than requiring separate unloading and emptying steps. The container can be tilted and contents emptied while the dolly is being moved to the next location, creating a continuous workflow that improves productivity without compromising ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A dolly includes a frame having an axle extending between dolly wheels and defining a pivot axis. The frame has a support member with a ground-engaging element spaced apart from the dolly wheels. A lever arm is mounted to the frame and extends to a handle. The lever arm is positioned on a first side of the axle. A container support is mounted to the frame on the first side of the axle. The handle is manipulable to pivot the support member, the lever arm, and the container support about the pivot axis between at least a storage position and a discharge position. In the storage position, the container axis has an upright orientation and the ground-engaging element is spaced from the ground surface. In the discharge position, the container axis has an orientation being substantially parallel to the ground surface, and the ground-engaging element abuts against the ground surface.