Pivotable Wheel Support for Stable Cart Loading Into Dispensers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated dispensers face challenges in loading and stabilizing carts with fixed wheels, making it difficult to insert them into enclosures safely, especially in populated areas like hospitals, due to instability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivotable wheel support mechanism that allows carts with fixed wheels to be pivoted into the dispenser, ensuring stability and safe transportation by supporting the fixed wheels in a fixed position while the swiveled wheels facilitate movement into the dispenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If carts with non-swiveled (fixed) wheels are used for stability, then stability is improved, but ease of insertion into the dispenser deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel support mechanism is designed to be movable between a first position (extending outward from the dispenser) and a second position (retracted into the dispenser). During insertion, the support extends to facilitate cart entry, then retracts to allow the fixed wheels to pivot into the final position, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wheel support acts as an intermediary element between the cart's fixed wheels and the dispenser interior. It provides temporary support during the insertion process, enabling the cart to be loaded without requiring the fixed wheels to pivot or swivel, thus maintaining stability while facilitating insertion.
2Ease of operation
If carts with only swiveled wheels are used for ease of insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable wheel support dynamically adjusts its position during the insertion process. It extends outward to receive the cart's fixed wheels, then moves inward to allow the cart to be fully inserted, providing the necessary support throughout the operation without requiring the cart's wheels to swivel.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel support mechanism serves as a mediator that enables the cart with fixed wheels to be inserted into the dispenser without compromising stability. It provides the necessary support and guidance during insertion, eliminating the need for swiveled wheels while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a movable wheel support mechanism is added to facilitate cart insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel support mechanism is designed to move between two positions (extended and retracted) to facilitate cart insertion. This dynamic movement allows the mechanism to provide support when needed and clear the path when not needed, improving ease of operation with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wheel support mechanism serves multiple functions: it supports the cart during insertion, guides the cart into the correct position, and retracts to allow the cart's fixed wheels to pivot into the final position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser having an interior portion that is dimensioned for receiving a wheeled cart that is configured for storing items to be dispensed from the dispenser. The cart may, for example, be supported by at least two non-swiveled wheels disposed adjacent a first end of the cart and at least one swiveled wheel disposed adjacent a second end of the cart. In particular embodiments, the dispenser includes a pivotable wheel support that is adapted for: (A) supporting the cart's non-swiveled wheels; and (B) while supporting these non-swiveled wheels in respective, substantially fixed positions relative to the pivotable wheel support, pivoting from: (1) a first position in which the cart is positioned outside the dispenser; to (2) a second position in which the cart is positioned within the dispenser's interior. This may assist in loading the cart into the dispenser.